Veterans from Belarus, Russia, and Latvia met at the "Kurgan Druzhby" (Mound of Friendship)

The "Be-La-Rus" youth camp in 2019 will start on the same day as the events at the Mound of Friendship. This was announced today at a meeting of veterans near this memorial site by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev.

"We have decided that next year, simultaneously with the memorial events at the Mound of Friendship, we will also hold the 'Be-La-Rus' youth camp. They hold it every year, but usually at the end of July. But it is important for us that you, veterans, who remember the horrors of war, tell the youth directly the whole truth about those events. How they gave their all, shed blood to achieve a peaceful sky. Victory came at a great price, and its memory must be preserved forever," noted Nikolai Sherstnev.

According to him, the significance of the events on the border of the three countries does not diminish with each year, although, unfortunately, there are not many veterans left. For 59 years, the participants of the meeting have experienced incorruptible feelings and emotions. Previous generations came here, and today the new generation is doing it.

"This unites us all, makes us stronger and more confident in the future. The youth support the idea of their elders; every year there are more young people on May 9, at veteran tributes, and memorial dates. Now our task is to pass on the traditions of our ancestors to them, so that Belarus, Russia, and Latvia live forever in peace and neighborliness," emphasized the head of the Vitebsk region.

He also thanked the veterans for keeping their promise from last year and coming to the Mound of Friendship today.

These words were echoed in their speeches by the acting governor of the Pskov region, Mikhail Vedernikov, and the member of the Saeima of Latvia, Arturs Rubiks.

"The war ended more than half a century ago. New states emerged, borders were drawn, but the history of the Great Patriotic War and the Great Victory is common to us. And the main task remains unchanged – preserving friendly relations between our peoples for the sake of the memory of our ancestors and the future of our children. For the third year, young people have been with us here, and this is right, because it is they who must carry the truth about the war and pass it on to future generations," added Mikhail Vedernikov. In turn, on behalf of the residents of the Pskov region, he congratulated the Belarusians on the upcoming Independence Day.

The assistant to the President – inspector for the Vitebsk region, Alexander Subbotin, who was here for the first time, was also present at the Mound of Friendship. "It is indicative that after so many years the tradition continues, despite obstacles and prohibitions. Although the weather today is not pleasing, so many people, smiles, and positive emotions prove that the Mound of Friendship must exist," summarized Alexander Subbotin.

Today, the 59th international meeting of front-line soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters from Belarus, Russia, and Latvia is taking place at the Mound of Friendship, at the junction of three states. Belarus is the host country this year. The meeting began with laying flowers and wreaths – first at the monument to the Komsomol heroes of the village of Proshki on Belarusian land, then at the monument to the Komsomol scout Maria Pyntho on Russian territory. Finally, the leadership of the Pskov and Vitebsk regions handed over a basket of flowers to the Latvian side for laying.

to the monument of the Hero of the Soviet Union Imants Sudmalis. Before the start of the commemorative events, its participants, separated by the small Sineya River, which marks the border between Russia and Latvia, waved to each other, conveyed greetings, wished good health and success in their endeavors, and several times started singing "Katyusha" in unison.

The Mound of Friendship was built in 1959 on the border of three republics - BSSR, RSFSR, and Latvian SSR in honor of the combat comradeship of partisans from Belarus, Russia, and Latvia. Soil for it was taken from the graves of partisans and Red Army soldiers, from the places where Alexander Matrosov, Klavdiya Nazarova, Leonid Golikov, Maria Poryvaeva, and other heroes died. Three alleys lead to the mound: from Belarus - a birch alley, from Russia - a maple alley, from Latvia - a linden alley. An oak tree grows at the top of the Mound, a symbol of the unbreakable friendship of the three peoples. On three granite slabs in three languages, it is written: "The Mound of Friendship was erected at the junction of the borders of three fraternal republics in honor of the combat friendship, sealed with blood during the Great Patriotic War by Russian, Belarusian, and Latvian partisans. Opened on July 3, 1959."

BELTA. Photos used from BELTA and the website http://www.pskov.ru