Over 90 people took part in the patriotic forum "Living Memory of Generations," organised by the Vitebsk Regional Trade Union Association and held at the 103rd Vitebsk Separate Guards Airborne Brigade.
The forum, dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of Soldiers-Internationalists, brought together representatives of authorities, veterans of the war in Afghanistan, heads of industry trade union organisations, and members of youth councils. They discussed the role of the 103rd Airborne Brigade in the system of civic-patriotic education, the preservation of traditions and memory of the Afghan movement, and the continuity of generations as the foundation for the future.
Welcoming the forum participants, the President's Aide - Inspector for the Vitebsk Region, Vladimir Yurgevich, emphasised that only a true patriot can raise true patriots. Therefore, meetings between "Afghan" soldiers and young people are very important; they can talk about what war is and what should never be allowed to happen again. As the Head of State says, it is better to fight on the fields and in the factories and perform one's feats only in peacetime.
The Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Dmitry Demidov, noted that the servicemen of the renowned unit were the first to enter Afghanistan and the last to leave, having honourably and with dignity fulfilled their duty. The "Afghan" soldiers face the task of conveying the truth to new generations and educating them in the spirit of courage, selflessness, and bravery.
According to Elena Nefedova, Chairperson of the Vitebsk Regional Trade Union Association, the forum aims to strengthen intergenerational ties, preserve historical memory, and enhance the patriotic education of youth. There are over 500 soldiers-internationalists within the trade unions. They participate in various patriotic events and discussion platforms, sharing their life experiences.
Andrey Balanescu, Senior Officer of the Ideological Work Department of the 103rd Airborne Brigade, Guards Lieutenant Colonel, reported that Vitebsk paratroopers carried out international duty tasks in Afghanistan in Kabul and Bagram, over 11,000 servicemen were awarded orders and medals, and eight people were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Almost every week, excursions for students of educational institutions are held at the unit – about 3,000 people visit the paratroopers annually.
According to Valerian Matskevich, Chairman of the regional organization of the Belarusian Union of War Veterans in Afghanistan, 5.9 thousand residents of the Vitebsk region served their international duty, and 160 of our countrymen perished. Internationalist soldiers actively participate in military-patriotic education and note that an interesting young generation is growing up here.