A monument to the legendary paratrooper, Hero of the Soviet Union Vasily Margelov, has been unveiled in Novopolotsk
The ceremony took place on the territory of the former settlement of Borovukha, which in Soviet times received the unofficial status of the "capital of the Airborne Forces". Honored guests of the rally recalled the significant role of Vasily Margelov in the history of the creation of the Airborne Forces, and also noted the importance of passing on the truth about the defenders of the Fatherland, who became an example of selfless service to the Motherland, to future generations.
The opening of memorials on the eve of holidays was called a good tradition by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev. He emphasized that the Airborne Forces are the pride of the Armed Forces and our entire country, and stressed the importance of preserving historical heritage and military-patriotic education of youth.
– We are carrying out constant work to perpetuate the memory and military valor of our glorious countrymen, – said Dmitry Demidov, member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, head of Novopolotsk. – One of the most vivid periods in the life of Borovukha is associated with the deployment of elite airborne troops there. The memory of their achievements should remain in history forever.
Valery Gaydukevich, Chairman of the Council of the public association "Belarusian Union of War Veterans in Afghanistan", congratulated the representatives of the "winged infantry" on the upcoming holiday – the Day of Paratroopers and Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, and presented medals "90 Years of the Formation of the Airborne Forces". Among those awarded was the commander of the 103rd Guards Airborne Brigade, Alexey Yelfimov, who, together with Viktor Kostrov, Chairman of the Novopolotsk City Organization of the public association "Belarusian Union of War Veterans in Afghanistan", was granted the honorable right to unveil the bust-monument to the legendary founder of the Airborne Forces.
– Today Borovukha is a territory of spiritual, moral, and patriotic education. It is gratifying that there are those who are multiplying the glorious traditions of the Airborne Forces, – said Viktor Kostrov and thanked the representatives of the authorities, the paratrooper brotherhood, and activists for implementing socially significant initiatives.
The song "Sineva," considered the unofficial anthem of the Airborne Forces, served as the natural musical accompaniment to the event in Borovukha. By the way, the premiere of this song took place on August 2, 1973, right here, performed by the ensemble "Golubye Berety" of the 357th Guards Parachute Regiment. The festive atmosphere was complemented by a concert program, demonstration performances by servicemen of the 103rd Guards Mobile Brigade, and representatives of the Novopolotsk City Department for Emergency Situations.
Alexander Khalatryan, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the Public Association "Veterans of the Airborne Forces and Special Operations Forces:
– Paratroopers are united by the romance of flight, which is incomparable, by patriotism, and by a sense of duty. Professional and highly mobile, they are always ready to carry out any task to defend the Motherland at the first command. This brotherhood knows no time or borders.