6 May, Minsk /Alina Grishkevich - BELTA/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko considers it important to surround every representative of the generation of victors, who defended their native land from enemies with weapons in their hands, with attention and care. The Head of State stated this today during the awarding of state decorations, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. The President noted that a good tradition has emerged of presenting high awards to the best people of the country, who have achieved significant success in various fields of activity, on the eve of important state holidays. "I hope that today's meeting will be doubly memorable for you, as it took place on the eve of such a glorious historical date as Victory Day," said Alexander Lukashenko, addressing the awardees. "For our people, it has a fateful significance." Years and decades pass, but 9 May 1945 does not become a distant past, it does not leave the memory of people of different generations. And today, the greatness of the historical feat of the Soviet people, who saved not only their homeland but all of humanity from fascist enslavement, is realised even more clearly. Unfortunately, every year there are fewer and fewer participants in those legendary events, and therefore it is so important to surround them with care. "With a special sense of gratitude and pride, I welcome these heroic people. It is them whom we honour and congratulate on these May days. Dear veterans, thank you for not allowing our people to be brought to their knees. You have proved that no enemy can break, intimidate, or defeat us," the President emphasised. "We will never forget that it was you, scorched by the terrible fire of war, who ensured the current economic and spiritual basis for the development of Belarus." The Head of State noted that, looking back at the past and paying tribute to all those who died for the Motherland, one realises with particular clarity the simple truth: what a great blessing it is to have peace and tranquility in one's native land. A large group of veterans received awards from the President today. In addition, among the awardees are representatives of various sectors of the national economy: builders, designers, managers and specialists who participated in the construction of the unique cultural and sports complex "Minsk-Arena", which adorns the capital.