Gorodok celebrated the 80th anniversary of the district's liberation from Nazi invaders on a grand and colorful scale
– This is an important date not only for the district but for all of Belarus: 80 years ago, during these days, a bridgehead for its complete liberation was forged. The people of Gorodok made a worthy contribution to the Victory, – emphasized Alexander Subbotin. – Belarusians remember those who, sparing no lives, fought the enemy in inhumane conditions and ultimately gave us a peaceful sky above our heads. We carefully preserve and pass down from generation to generation the truth about the courage and resilience of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers.
The series of festive events began with laying wreaths and flowers at the bust monument to twice Hero of the Soviet Union Ivan Bagramyan, who commanded troops during the Gorodok offensive operation in December 1943, during which four Wehrmacht divisions were surrounded and destroyed, and favorable conditions were created for the liberation of Vitebsk.
– Today we recall a truly momentous event, – emphasized Vladimir Terentyev. – In recent years, it has become a good tradition to meet on the day of the district's liberation at the memorial sign to Ivan Bagramyan in the district center. This man played an important role in the fate of the district both during the war and in the subsequent years.
A solemn rally and laying of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were held at the "Immortalitу" memorial complex in the center of the city.
There, the opening ceremony of the electronic information kiosk "Automated Database 'Book of Memory' of Gorodok District" also took place. It contains data on all military burials and victims of the war in Gorodok region, historical facts, and information about famous natives.
– The use of modern technologies is a trend of the times, including in the field of patriotic education and the preservation of historical memory, – said Alexander Subbotin. – Interactivity allows everyone interested to delve deeper into the chosen topic and engage young people in the history of their region. I am glad that Gorodok region was the first in the country to implement such a project.
A stone was also consecrated to mark the construction of a chapel in honor of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the district and Belarus from the Nazi invaders.
The celebration concluded with a solemn assembly and concert at the city House of Culture. Honored guests presented awards to local residents with an active civic stance who contributed to the work of perpetuating the memory of fallen defenders of the Fatherland and victims of the war. The Academic Ensemble of Song and Dance of the Armed Forces of Belarus performed for the attendees.