In Vitebsk, they honored the memory of internationalist soldiers

On February 15, Belarus marked the Day of Remembrance of Soldiers-Internationalists and the 31st anniversary of the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. In Vitebsk, the traditional meeting place for combat veterans, families of the fallen, and representatives of labor collectives and public organizations was the "Pain" monument. The head of the regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, was also present. At the requiem rally, the names of fallen countrymen were called out. Their memory was honored with a minute of silence and gun salutes.

As speakers emphasized, no matter how many years have passed since the Afghan events, memory will preserve the feat and selflessness of Soviet officers and soldiers who did not betray their Motherland and oath, and who fulfilled the tasks set before them with dignity and honor, defending the interests of the state.

— In modern history, that war is often referred to as the first anti-terrorist operation. Over 30,000 Belarusians passed through the fiery roads of Afghanistan, 800 of them did not return home – some were killed, others are still considered missing. Vitebsk region lost 160 of its sons. Therefore, February 15 is not just a meeting of fellow soldiers who fought together, but also an opportunity to pay tribute to combat comrades who fell heroically while performing their international duty, — said the Chairman of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, Vadim Zaryankin.

— The Day of the Withdrawal of Troops from Afghanistan is both a celebration for those who were fortunate enough to return home alive, and a day of mourning for the fallen, — said Valeryan Matskevich, Chairman of the regional organization of the Belarusian Union of Afghan War Veterans. — That war will forever remain in the history of our country, as it is written in the blood of hundreds of Belarusian soldiers, the tears of mothers and orphans left without husbands and fathers. The first Soviet soldiers on Afghan soil were servicemen of the 103rd Separate Guards Airborne Division and pilots of the 339th Military Transport Aviation Regiment, stationed in our region. Therefore, the first death notices began to arrive in our land.

Rallies, laying of wreaths and flowers at memorials to internationalist soldiers were held in every district of the region.

On February 15, 1989, the last Soviet soldier crossed the bridge over the border river Amu Darya near Termez, thus completing the withdrawal of the limited contingent of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. The hostilities lasted more than 9 years and are considered the longest in the 20th century.

"Vitebskiye Vesti".