In Vitebsk, Victory Square became the main venue for the celebration of Independence Day and the 76th anniversary of the country's liberation from the Nazi invaders.
In Vitebsk, Victory Square became the main venue for the celebration of Independence Day and the 76th anniversary of the country's liberation from the Nazi invaders. On the main state holiday, in accordance with tradition, tribute was paid here to the feat of fathers and grandfathers who gave us the future, and for the first time, labor heroes were honored – those who daily strengthen the economic foundation of a peaceful, safe, and independent Belarus.
The celebration began with a solemn laying of wreaths and flowers at the memorial complex in honor of the Soviet soldiers-liberators, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region. The leadership of the regional executive committee, the city and district administrations, the deputy corps, and representatives of enterprises, organizations, and public associations took part in it. Addressing the attendees, the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, recalled that 76 years ago, peace returned to the Belarusian land, ravaged by the fascist occupation. The war became the most severe trial and showed the true character of the people.
— History holds many examples of courage shown in battles on the Vitebsk land. The most numerous and effective anti-fascist underground in the country was created here, and the partisan movement was of a nationwide character, – emphasized the head of the region. — The victory came at a high price; we have no right to forget about it.
The historical connection between generations is the foundation of societal development. Today, under new conditions, we face the same task – to preserve the freedom and independence of the country, states Nikolai Sherstnev. The Vitebsk region continues to develop, new jobs are being created, work is being done to improve the efficiency of the agricultural sector and industry, and much is being done for the improvement of cities and villages. Positive changes are also occurring in the social sphere. In the coming days, a facility crucial for Vitebsk's infrastructure will open – the Polotsk overpass, which was built in 20 months instead of the initially planned 49. Thus, the residents of the Vitebsk region, by performing feats of labour, continue the traditions of their fathers and grandfathers, and the unbreakable bond between generations makes us stronger.
Then, another landmark event of the Independence Day celebrations took place – the grand opening ceremony of the new Honour Board of the Vitebsk region and Vitebsk. It has "moved" closer to the memorial complex in honour of the Soviet soldiers-liberators, partisans and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region and is installed on Victory Square, looking more massive and powerful than its predecessor. Welcoming the work collectives, Nikolai Sherstnev noted the symbolism of the event:
— Front-line soldiers, partisans and home front workers forged victory in the difficult war years, and today our contemporaries, through their labour, are creating the foundation for economic development, ensuring the stability and well-being of the Motherland. The fact that the Honour Board is installed in the city centre, in a place sacred to each of us, adds special significance to the event.
Afterwards, the participants of the celebrations laid flowers at the bust of the Hero of the Soviet Union, Hero of Socialist Labour Pyotr Masherov on Zamkovaya Street in the regional centre.
Among the festive events, the opening of the updated exhibition "Defenders of the Fatherland" at the Regional Museum of Local Lore also stands out. It is dedicated to the events of the Great Patriotic War. The permanent exhibition was created in 1994, and now its photo-documentary materials have been updated, the themes of the defence and liberation of Vitebsk have been expanded, and personal collections and personal belongings of the participants in the liberation of the Vitebsk region have been added. The exhibition has also been supplemented with materials on the post-war restoration of the regional centre.
Independence Day in the regional centre concluded with a concert and the event "Let's Sing the Anthem Together".