The Mound of Friendship has, over the years, become a place of remembrance for three nations - Sherstnev

Over its 60-year history, the Mound of Friendship has become a place of remembrance, a symbol of unity and brotherhood of three nations. This opinion was expressed today at a meeting of Great Patriotic War veterans at this memorial site by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.

"We want the popular memory of those events and the human grief experienced to grow stronger every year. All this is to prevent war in the future," noted Nikolai Sherstnev. He added that the youth should preserve and multiply the traditions created by their fathers and grandfathers at the Mound of Friendship.

The Governor of Pskov Region, Mikhail Vedernikov, emphasized that the meeting participants are in a historic and legendary place. "In these impassable forests in 1942, Russian, Belarusian, and Latvian partisans formed what is known today as the partisan territory. This area became a symbol of people's heroism, an embodiment of righteous revenge, human pride, self-sacrifice, and fierce resistance," said the head of the region.

Mikhail Vedernikov recalled that following the war, over 311,000 partisans were awarded orders and medals for their dedication and heroism, and 248 people received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. "At the same time, half of the awards – 144,000 – were received by soldiers who fought on the territory of Belarus. Our Belarusian brothers made a colossal contribution to the common victory, and we, Russians, will never forget this," added the governor.

Every year, the number of Great Patriotic War veterans attending the meeting decreases. Among those who came to the anniversary meeting was 93-year-old Nikolai Sushkov from Polotsk. "Even when I was serving in the army after the war, I used to come here with my soldiers. Veterans would tell them about the war. Later, I started coming with my sons, because it is not just important for young people to be here, but essential for them to know who fought and how," noted Nikolai Sushkov.

Vladimir Dashchenok, one of the regular participants in the celebrations on the border of Belarus, Russia, and Latvia, shares his sentiment. At the age of 17, he joined the partisans and fought the enemy in this area. "Young people are right to come to these places and set up camp. I meet with them annually. They are very interested in the memories and treat us with respect," added the veteran.

Today, at the junction of three states, the 60th international meeting of front-line soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters from Belarus, Russia, and Latvia is taking place. The meeting began with the laying of flowers and wreaths – first at the monument to the Komsomol scout Maria Pyntho on Russian territory, then at the monument to the Komsomol heroes of the village of Proshki on Belarusian land. Finally, the leadership of the Pskov and Vitebsk regions handed over a basket of flowers to the Latvian side for laying at the monument to Hero of the Soviet Union Imants Sudmalis. Before the commemorative events began, participants, separated by the small Sineya River, which marks the border between Russia and Latvia, waved to each other, exchanged greetings, and sang "Katyusha" in unison. The Russian side, in honour of the jubilee meeting, produced commemorative medals and presented them to some of the guests.

The Mound of Friendship was built in 1959 on the border of three republics in honour of the combat camaraderie of partisans from Belarus, Russia, and Latvia. Earth 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 perished. Three alleys lead to the mound: from Belarus – a birch alley, from Russia – a maple alley, and from Latvia – a linden alley. An oak tree grows at the summit, symbolising the unbreakable friendship of the three peoples. Three granite slabs bear the inscription in three languages: "The Mound of Friendship is erected at the junction of the borders of three fraternal republics in honour of the combat friendship, cemented by blood during the Great Patriotic War, of Russian, Belarusian, and Latvian partisans. Opened on July 3, 1959".

News of Belarus (BELTA)