Vitebsk Secondary School No. 23 was named after the internationalist soldier Oleg Tuval'sky
– It is symbolic and right that we immortalize the names of heroes in educational institutions on the eve of a young and important holiday – the Day of National Unity, – noted Vladimir Terentyev. – The educational institution worthily preserves the memory of the hero and his feat. This is a significant contribution to preserving historical memory and patriotic education of society.
Oleg Rishardovich Tuvalsky dreamed of becoming a pilot from childhood: he persistently trained in wrestling and other sports. He studied at the Vitebsk Aviation Training Center, the Kremenchug Flight School of Civil Aviation, and worked in the sanitary aviation service of the Belarusian Civil Aviation Administration in Minsk. In September 1983, the helicopter squadron in which Oleg Tuvalsky served was sent to Afghanistan. On August 27, 1984, during the day, the helicopter made four combat sorties. During the last one, it was shot down by a missile and crashed in the Dushman positions. At the crash site, near the body of Oleg Rishardovich, sixteen spent assault rifle magazines were found, testifying to his unequal struggle with the enemy. For his courage and heroism, Oleg Tuvalsky was posthumously awarded the Order of the Red Star and the medal "To the Internationalist Soldier from the Grateful Afghan People".
– This is a landmark event for the school that has connected the past, present, and future. We will make every effort to educate the younger generation with honor, dignity, and courage, – said Valentina Klimentionok, Principal of Secondary School No. 23.
Zhanna Zakharova, the cousin of the hero, arrived at the school, which will henceforth proudly bear the name of Oleg Tuvalsky. On behalf of her mother, Nadezhda Tuvalskaya, she expressed gratitude for remembering her son and for naming Secondary School No. 23 after Oleg Tuvalsky.
– We are proud of our relative and grateful to the Vitebsk land. May the heroism of Oleg Rishardovich be an example of courage. I am sure that this institution will continue to carry out work on the patriotic education of the younger generation, instilling patriotism, – said Zhanna Zakharova.
At the solemn event, and on the eve of the Day of National Unity, an alley named after Oleg Tuvalsky was laid on the school grounds as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude of the present and future generations.
Representatives of the city authorities, veterans' and other public organizations, the administration of the Pervomaisky district, teachers, students, and their parents attended the festive event.
