It has become a good tradition for 15 March, the Day of the Constitution of our country, to host a solemn ceremony of presenting passports to young residents of Lepel who have reached the age of sixteen. For the first time in their lives, they receive this most important document, which certifies the identity of a citizen of the Republic of Belarus. To ensure that this joyous event remains forever in the memory of the young men and women, their initiation into a new, civic status was organised and held in the large hall of the district House of Culture.
Before the ceremony, a video film prepared by the local television studio was shown, which told about the Constitution, the history of its creation, and its role in the life of the state.
The Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee, Nikolai Nikitin, delivered a welcoming speech. He noted that being a citizen is not only an honour but also a great responsibility, as the future of our country lies in the hands of the younger generation.
The inspector of the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Internal Affairs Department of the District Executive Committee, Vasily Silvanovich, stated that the passport holders are full citizens of the Republic of Belarus, possessing all the rights and freedoms granted by the Constitution, and therefore can always count on the support, protection, and patronage of the state.
In a warm, friendly atmosphere, to shouts of approval and applause from their friends, the 16-year-old young men and women quickly ascended the stage of the House of Culture and became holders of this most important document.
Alexander Plyusnin, a ninth-grade student of Lepel Secondary School No. 1, sincerely thanked for the great care and attention given to youth in our state, for enhancing their educational and professional level, and for solving socio-economic problems.
The solemn passport presentation ceremony was accompanied by popular patriotic songs performed by young singers and amateur artists.
Nikolai GORBACHEV
Photo by the author
In the photo: a group of young men and women who received passports on Constitution Day, posing for a commemorative photo with the Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee, Nikolai Nikitin (centre).