To the Internationalist Soldiers, Veterans of the War in Afghanistan

On February 15, we celebrate the Day of Remembrance of Soldiers-Internationalists. 24 years ago, the combat columns of the 40th Army left the territory of Afghanistan. Soviet troops, which included our countrymen, demonstrating bravery and selflessness, became an example of honest fulfillment of military duty. 109 of the best sons of the Pridvinye region died in combat operations.

In the Vitebsk region, there are five thousand soldiers-internationalists, participants in local wars and conflicts, of whom 1949 are members of the public association "Belarusian Union of War Veterans in Afghanistan". 47 mothers and 30 widows of fallen soldiers cherish the bright memory of their sons and husbands. About 600 participants in battles died in peacetime, after the withdrawal of troops from the "hot spot". Dozens were disabled during the fighting.

Your wounds have become the pain of our society. We grieve for those who died in combat operations and those who died after the war, and we will remember the military feat of soldiers and officers who, despite mortal danger, strove to bring peace to the Afghan land.

Dear veterans of combat operations! You have honorably fulfilled your military duty and today you are reliable assistants in building a sovereign Belarus, contributing to the patriotic education of youth and the formation of civil society.

The activities of the organization of soldiers-internationalists are aimed at social protection and assistance to soldiers and officers returning from zones of local armed conflicts, and their families. Together, we must fight for the maintenance of peace among peoples and the unity of our society.
Thank you for your courage and civic stance.

I wish you, dear soldiers-internationalists, your families and loved ones health, happiness, peace, and well-being!

          Sincerely,

                                                                                                                            Alyaksandr Ksinets,
                                                                                                                            Chairman
                                                                                                                            of the Vitebsk Regional
                                                                                                                            Executive Committee