Vitebsk paratroopers held a parade for a war veteran
On the eve of Victory Day, brigade servicemen congratulated 95-year-old Alexey Ivanov. Soldiers marched in a solemn procession near the veteran's house, and a military band performed famous melodies of the war years. "In the person of Alexey Mikhailovich, the paratroopers of the 103rd Vitebsk Separate Guards Airborne Brigade congratulated all veterans and home front workers on the upcoming great holiday - Victory Day," noted the deputy commander of the brigade for ideological work, Guards Lieutenant Colonel Denis Krivenstov.
Alexey Ivanov was born in the Slutsk district. The war found him in Leningrad while he was studying at a vocational school. The young man was evacuated, worked in the rear, and managed to complete artillery courses. Alexey Mikhailovich was drafted into the army in 1944 and liberated the present-day Kaliningrad region. After the war, he graduated from the military artillery school in Sumy (Ukraine). The veteran dedicated many years to the then 103rd Airborne Division, serving in various positions. He retired with the rank of colonel and worked as a military instructor at the Luzhesnyan Agricultural College.
Alexey Mikhailovich was pleased with such a gift from the soldiers. According to relatives, he diligently prepared, tidying up his dress uniform. "Thank you for not forgetting us, veterans. Remember that if we hadn't won that war, none of the future generations would exist. It was a terrible time, but we endured," noted the Great Patriotic War participant.
After the parade, the veteran shared his memories of the war years with the servicemen.