Dear veterans of the Great Patriotic War! Esteemed residents of the Vitebsk region! I sincerely congratulate you on Victory Day! This holiday embodies the unparalleled feat of the Soviet people and our pride in belonging to the victorious nation that defeated fascism. The heroism and self-sacrifice of people in the struggle against the enemy were widespread and truly unprecedented, as they fought for the independence of their Fatherland and their own right to life. Similar to the military feat was the contribution to the fight against the invaders made by those who were in the rear and, under the most difficult wartime conditions, produced everything necessary for the front. From the very first days of the occupation, Vitebsk region became one of the centres of the great battle. The region sent over 120,000 sons and daughters to the fronts of the Great Patriotic War, and over 100,000 people fought in 60 partisan detachments and formations, self-defence and militia groups, and the party-Komsomol underground. The feats of 127 of our countrymen were recognised with the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Along with pride in the courage of our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers who resisted the aggressor, the Great Victory also brings pain, tears, and sorrow for irreparable losses. Our region lost every third resident during the war years. The Hitlerites burned down 222 settlements on its territory. Thousands of people languished in camps and ghettos, and many were driven into fascist slavery. Vitebsk region has not yet restored its pre-war population. Today, the region is home to 4,420 veterans of the Great Patriotic War, 420 family members of the fallen, and 7,942 former prisoners of Nazi concentration camps and other places of detention – living witnesses of the bloody and heroic war years. From these unconquered people, we learn patriotism, love for the Motherland, zest for life, and optimism. We bow low and express our deep gratitude to all who brought Victory closer! Let us be worthy of our Great Sacred Cause and the memory of those who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of the Motherland, and let us make every corner of the region more beautiful and better! I sincerely wish everyone health, happiness, and high spirits! Happy Victory Day! Sincerely, Alexander Kosinets, Chairman Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee

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