On the eve of March 8, mothers with many children in the Vitebsk region were awarded the Order of Motherhood

Respect for women has been an age-old tradition of our people. And the bright spring holiday of March 8 provides a good reason to express words of endless love and gratitude to our mothers, wives, our dearest and closest people, our colleagues, who represent the fair half of humanity. The state recognizes the significant contribution of women to the building of a strong, independent, prosperous Belarus, to strengthening the family and raising the younger generation.

It was to the fair half, in the concert hall "Vitebsk" that Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" was dedicated, performed by participants of the Honored Collective of the Republic of Belarus, the classical dance ensemble "Pirouette" — this dance marked the beginning of the festive evening on March 6, dedicated to Women's Day.

The Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Vladimir Terentyev, addressed the attendees of the celebration with a welcoming speech and, above all, with words of gratitude to women for their immense merits to the family, society, and the state.

— Belarusian women have always worthily fulfilled their high destiny. This is confirmed by the entire history of the Vitebsk region, which has added dozens of glorious female names to the annals of Slavdom – secular and church figures, scientists, known far beyond the borders of Belarus, — noted Vladimir Terentyev.

Euphrosyne of Polotsk, Rogneda, Anna Misuno, Yadviga Reut, Anna Tumarkina – these names represent the spiritual heritage of the Belarusian land. In the year of the 70th anniversary of Victory, we recall with special warmth the defenders of the Fatherland who, on par with men, fought against the German-fascist invaders. The names of Yefrosinya Zenkova, Tatyana Marinenko, Maria Osipova, Zinaida Tusnolobova-Marchenko are a source of pride and glory for the Vitebsk region and all of Belarus.

— The sporting glory of the region was enhanced by Olympic champions and medalists Larisa Petrik, Tamara Lazakovich, Tatyana Ivinskaya, Marina Shkermankova, and other famous sportswomen, — noted Vladimir Terentyev. — And today, in this hall are the winners of the 2015 World Biathlon Championships among juniors and youth in Raubichi, Darya Blashko and Anna Sola. Their brilliant performance in the sprint and relay races brought two gold medals to the Belarusian team. We are proud of the professionalism and perseverance of the young sportswomen from the Vitebsk region.

Vladimir Terentyev noted the most active participation of women from the Dvina region in creating the economic and spiritual potential of post-war and modern Belarus.

And then came the most exciting moment of the evening. In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus of February 16, 2015, No. 60, for the birth and upbringing of five or more children, the Order of Motherhood was awarded to Elena Godunova-Rosolskaya, an employee of KUP "Vitebsk Confectionery Combine "Vitba"; Irina Nyupenko, a homemaker (Novopolotsk); Elena Romankova, a teacher at the State Educational Institution "Kindergarten No. 2 ""Praleska"" of the urban settlement of Liozno. The award was presented by the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Vladimir Terentyev.

The evening concluded with a festive concert, prepared by the best creative groups of the Vitebsk region and our city.

Vitaly SENKOV, "Vitbichi"