A solemn laying of wreaths and flowers at the monument to the liberator soldiers, partisans and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region, as well as at the bust of the Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of Socialist Labour P. M. Masherov, took place on the morning of May 9 in Vitebsk. After that, a delegation from Vitebsk travelled to the Dubrovensky district, where they participated in the opening of the reconstructed "Rylionki" memorial complex.
A solemn laying of wreaths and flowers at the monument to the liberator soldiers, partisans and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region, as well as at the bust of the Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of Socialist Labour P. M. Masherov, took place on the morning of May 9 in Vitebsk. After that, a delegation from Vitebsk travelled to the Dubrovensky district, where they participated in the opening of the reconstructed "Rylionki" memorial complex.
It is a tradition of the Belarusian people to worthily preserve the memory of previous generations. This opinion was expressed by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, at the opening of the renovated "Rylionki" memorial complex in the Dubrovensky district.
According to the head of the region, May 9 is a cherished holiday for everyone who knows about the courage and self-sacrifice of the generation of victors. The true scale of fascist aggression is still impossible to comprehend or accept. No documents, stories, or chronicles can convey what people endured at that time. In the Vitebsk region, over 3,000 towns and villages were burned down during the Great Patriotic War, and every third resident perished.
"It is in the traditions of our people not only to defend their native land from the enemy but also to worthily preserve the memory of previous generations," emphasised Nikolai Sherstnev. As an example, he cited the Vitebsk region, where by May 1, 1,482 sites had been repaired, landscaped, and restored – these include memorials, monuments to military glory, and individual and mass graves of soldiers. "Over the past eight years, the names of 175,606 fallen defenders of the Fatherland have been verified from a total of 205,000 unknown soldiers. In the last year alone, the surnames of 13,000 soldiers have been clarified," noted the governor.
Earlier this week, the regional stage of the international campaign "In Glory of the Common Victory!" concluded at the "Proryv" memorial complex in Ushachi District. The day before, an alley of Heroes of the Soviet Union, natives of Gorodok District, was opened in Gorodok. In Glubokoe District, a memorial sign was unveiled at the site of the village of Sharagi, where over 150 civilians from Glubokoe and Polotsk districts were burned. On the morning of May 9, solemn events were held in the regional center on Victory Square. "It is deeply symbolic that the series of events is continued by Dubrovno District, where the Rylionki memorial complex is opening after reconstruction. This national shrine is inextricably linked with the history of this region. On Victory Day, due to the prevailing epidemiological situation, many could not come here to honor the memory of the fallen. It is important that this sacred place exists, and people will constantly come here to bow their heads to the soldiers who defended the Fatherland," said the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee.
Nikolai Sherstnev also drew attention to the fact that today's date is another reason to turn to the lessons of the war. "On this day, we invariably think about the independence and security of our state, as threats in the world are not decreasing, they are only changing their guise. The duty of modern generations is to prevent the emergence of new deadly doctrines and destructive conflicts. The years of military trials and hardships have developed in people a heightened sense of responsibility for peace and order. It is worth remembering that it took decades to revive the country from ruins and ashes," he added.
The main heroes of this great day are, of course, the veterans. "They are our pride, an example of resilience and courage. Life is fleeting. With a sense of deep gratitude, the authorities are doing everything possible to ensure their lives are peaceful and prosperous. It is extremely important for us to say the kindest words to our dear veterans, to express our endless gratitude, and in return to hear wise advice and guidance," emphasized Nikolai Sherstnev.
Representatives of regional and district authorities, the President's Aide - Inspector for the Vitebsk Region Anatoly Linevich, local residents, and guests from neighboring districts of the region took part in the Victory Day celebration rally at the Rylionki complex.