President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko presented state awards to distinguished figures from various fields, mothers with many children, and general's epaulettes to representatives of the high command.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko presented state awards to distinguished figures from various fields, mothers with many children, and general's epaulettes to representatives of the high command. The solemn ceremony took place today at the Palace of Independence, as reported by a BELTA correspondent.
"Perhaps the most pleasant presidential mission is to present awards to deserving people, to be among those who, through daily work, make Belarus stronger and more beautiful, and the lives of Belarusians safer and richer," the head of state admitted at the beginning of the ceremony. It traditionally took place on the eve of the holiday – Women's Day and is distinguished by a special atmosphere of solemnity and sincerity. "You, women, create it with your smiles, beauty, and charm. And the parade uniforms of our military add brilliance and a magnificent appearance to the Palace of Independence," said the Belarusian leader.
More than 30 people took part in the ceremony – representatives of the army and security forces, as well as mothers with many children and women who have achieved great professional heights. "Such a gender balance is not an imitation of Western trends. The high status of people in uniform in our country and a respectful, caring attitude towards women are absolutely fundamental values of Belarusian society," the President emphasized.
"There can be no peace without those who serve the people and can defend them. We well remember who preserved our freedom 75 years ago. Belarusians are grateful to the veterans for their feat and honour the heroic generation of our fathers and grandfathers. I can confidently say that the children and grandchildren of the victorious soldiers are worthy of them," the Head of State stated. As an example, he cited the act of Oleg Boynichev, a captain of the internal service at the Ministry of Emergency Situations. He, along with his comrades, risking his life, prevented an explosion on the railway: when several tanks with explosive gas derailed, he managed to eliminate the leak. "Such courageous and brave people today protect the peace and tranquility of Belarusians. Honour and glory to them!" the President emphasised.
Alexander Lukashenko addressed words of special gratitude to mothers with many children, who have chosen a difficult but very necessary mission for the country. "I would say: extremely important and necessary," the President clarified. "You not only care for your children. You give life to new generations, you give hope for a successful future and prosperity to the entire nation. After all, what it will be largely depends on you, dear women. I know that most of you are not only happy in your families but have also succeeded as professionals in your careers. This is doubly wonderful."
The Head of State also presented awards and honorary titles to women who have achieved high accomplishments in the fields of culture, art, science, and pedagogy. "We know and appreciate your contribution to the upbringing of youth, the preservation of spiritual heritage and moral values," Alexander Lukashenko noted.
The President congratulated Belarusian sportswomen on their brilliant victories at the World and European Championships, for which they have been awarded the high title of "Honoured Master of Sport."
"Thank you for all that you do for the country and our people," the Head of State addressed the attendees. "On the eve of a wonderful spring holiday, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to the women of our Belarus. Please accept my sincere wishes for health, happiness, and well-being. I wish you the most important things – peace and goodness."
"Once again, I congratulate you on your high awards – gentlemen, our wonderful women not only on your awards and titles, but also on the upcoming holiday. Be happy! And may the children you have raised not only for yourselves, but for our sovereign independent Belarus, always bring you joy and bring joy to your country. Happiness to you!" – the Head of State concluded.
The Order of Honour was awarded to Maria Kozich, manager of the crop production team at the "Girki" agricultural enterprise in the Voronovsky district.
For raising five or more children, Alexander Lukashenko presented the Mother's Order. Among the recipients are Olga Areshova-Kamenskaya, a make-up artist at the National State Television and Radio Company, and Natalia Mamaiko, a teacher at the Sorochskie nursery-kindergarten in the Lyubansky district.
A number of honorary titles were also conferred. Among the awardees is ballet soloist Ekaterina Oleynik, who was awarded the title "Honoured Artist of the Republic of Belarus". Irina Komarova, Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Childhood Psychology at the Mogilev State University named after A.A. Kuleshov, was awarded the honorary title "Honoured Educator of the Republic of Belarus".
Honorary titles were also awarded to employees of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs: Svetlana Denisova, Professor of the Department of Belarusian and Foreign Languages, was awarded the title of Honoured Educator of Belarus, and Vadim Pavlov, Head of the Department of Theory and History of State and Law, was awarded the title of Honoured Employee of Internal Affairs Bodies.
Among those awarded the honorary title of "Honoured Master of Sports of the Republic of Belarus" are Tatiana Matsko, an athlete-instructor of the national team and a police officer of the special police detachment of the main department of internal affairs of the Minsk City Executive Committee, and Svetlana Timoshenko, an athlete-instructor of the national team and a coach of the sports team of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The President presented general's epaulettes to Igor Demidenko, Deputy Commander of the Western Operational Command of the Armed Forces of Belarus; Sergey Zaitsev, Head of the Faculty of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and Deputy Head of the Military Academy of Belarus; Sergey Gladyshev, Head of the KGB Department for the Brest Region; Konstantin Kuchinsky, Head of the Military Counterintelligence Department of the KGB; and Igor Shcherbachenya, Head of the Department of Internal Affairs of the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee.
Traditionally, an excursion to the Palace of Independence was organised for the participants of the celebration. A reception in the form of a buffet was also planned on behalf of the Head of State.