Vitebsk celebrated Independence Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from Nazi invaders
Thousands of Vitebsk residents gathered at the "Order of Victory" memorial sign. The Victory Torch was brought there, its flame lit in Liozno – the first settlement in the region liberated during the Great Patriotic War. Next to the flags of Vitebsk region, cities and districts, and brigades that fought in the northern region, a replica of the Victory Banner was flying – the assault flag of the 150th Rifle Idritskaya Division, awarded the Order of Kutuzov, 2nd Class, of the 79th Rifle Corps of the 3rd Shock Army of the 1st Belorussian Front, which was hoisted over the defeated Reichstag in May 1945.
Representatives of labor collectives and the public marched along Moskovsky Prospekt to the Eternal Flame at the memorial complex honoring Soviet soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters, where they laid wreaths and flowers. Together with them, the leaders of the region, law enforcement agencies, and clergy paid tribute to the fallen. As noted by the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, the war became a terrible ordeal for Belarusians. Our grandfathers and great-grandfathers showed resilience and heroism, managed to defeat the Hitlerites, and restore the national economy after the hardship. Nikolai Nikolaevich congratulated the veterans on the anniversary and emphasized that the current generation sacredly honors heroes and does everything possible for the prosperity and independence of the country. We must not forget those terrible events. Memory provides the understanding that any armed conflict is evil.
Following the rally, a military parade was held, which for the first time included servicemen of the territorial troops formed on the basis of the Beshenkovichi district. Military equipment in service with the 103rd Separate Guards Airborne Brigade also appeared on the square, including armored personnel carriers, and special vehicles "Bogatyr" and "Kaiman".
The celebration continued in various parts of the city. Orchestras performed on the Alley of Military Glory in Millennium Park, the best artists of the region delighted residents and guests of Vitebsk on open concert venues, and artisans showcased their works at the site near the Pushkin monument. The Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, unveiled a memorial plaque to Nikolai Sakmarkin, a participant in the Great Patriotic War and an honorary citizen of Vitebsk. The son of the renowned veteran, Yuri Sakmarkin, participated in the ceremony.
The celebration will conclude with the event "Let's Sing the Anthem Together" on Victory Square of the regional center, which will also be attended by representatives of local authorities and public organizations. The night sky will be adorned with fireworks.