The independence of the Republic of Belarus rests on the deeds of the generation of victors, Vitebsk Oblast Governor Nikolai Sherstnev said at a meeting held in Vitebsk on 3 July to mark the country's Independence Day, BelTA has learned.
“It is symbolic that the Belarusian people united the main holiday of the Belarusian statehood and the most important event in the national history, the liberation from the Nazis. The unity of people, the mobilization of the nation's forces helped the country withstand in those difficult times, save the country. Belarus' independence rests on the deeds of the generation of victors. The feat of the people who raised the country from ashes is immortal. Our peaceful country pays tribute to the memory of all the fighters for freedom and independence of the nation,” Nikolai Sherstnev stressed.
Remembering the key historical figures in the history of the Belarusian statehood and the hardest war years, all those present held a minute of silence for all those who fell in the war. “Strengthening the independence of our Motherland has fallen to the share of our generation. The priorities of the national security system have been outlined for the near future. The Republic of Belarus will follow its peaceful multitrack foreign policy,” Nikolai Sherstnev noted and cited as examples the region's achievements for the past five years.
A festive procession of labor collectives was a clear evidence of his words.
The celebrations of the country Independence Day kicked off in the oblast center with a flower and wreath ceremony at the memorial to the Soviet soldiers, partisans and underground fighters of Vitebsk Oblast, a meeting and a theatrical show. The celebrations also featured a concert of the city's art bands, interactive booths, and an exhibition of military hardware and equipment of the Emergencies Ministry.
An important event on the day was the unveiling of the commemorative plaque to two-time Hero of Soviet Union, holder of seven Orders of Lenin, Marshal of Soviet Union Ivan Bagramyan.
Victory Square will feature a gala concert, Let's Sing Belarus' Anthem Together campaign and fireworks.