The 65th anniversary Kurgan Druzhby (Friendship Mound) took place in Verkhnedvinsk district.

Delegations from Belarus and Russia uphold a tradition established back in 1959, visiting the site of the first meeting of former front-line soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters at the Mound of Friendship, erected on the border of Belarus, Russia, and Latvia.

In 2022, a part of the memorial on the Latvian side was destroyed, and the bridge connecting the territories of the countries was demolished. Now, the Baltic neighbour is further separated by a metal fence with barbed wire.

- The Mound of Friendship brings together true friends. Despite Europe choosing its own path and erecting an "iron curtain," Belarusians and Russians continue to meet here. I assure you, we are ready to restore the bridge, to be friends, to communicate, and to visit each other," noted the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, adding that for him personally, the Mound is a place of strength, memory, and sorrow.

- I am confident that this is also true for any person in our country who understands at what cost Victory was won 80 years ago, at what cost Independence was achieved.

The head of the region highlighted the continuity of traditions and the connection of generations at the Mound of Friendship:

- Now, not only two neighbouring districts gather here, but delegations from other regions of Belarus and Russia also come. On the fields of the Mound of Friendship, young people are beginning to gather in patriotic camps. The children live in tents for several days, communicate, and prepare joint creative performances. But most importantly, they begin to make friends. This allows our countries to come even closer and form a foundation for unshakeable friendship for many years to come," concluded Alexander Subbotin.

Vera Emelyanova, First Deputy Governor of the Pskov Region, told journalists that this place was chosen by the decision of the fraternal peoples of the Soviet Union for meetings with those who, through incredible efforts, achieved the Great Victory:

- What will we say to our "fathers" and parents if we do not preserve what they did for us. On this land, they fought, shoulder to shoulder, so that we could live, so that we would have children and grandchildren. The Mound of Friendship was named so with the main positive prospect – to be friends. We all need this for people to have a bright future. We must cherish this covenant and pass it on to future generations.

Deputy Chairman of the Regional Council of War Veterans, Vladimir Tsetsokho, has been actively involved in organising meetings at the Mound of Friendship since 1970, when he was Chairman of the Verkhnedvinsk District Executive Committee. For the next 17 years, he continued this work as Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee.

- If I were to count all the meetings I've attended, there would be over 40. The Mound of Friendship is almost like destiny for me. Here I gained friends and comrades with whom I shared both joys and sorrows. I am glad that after a 4-year break, I am here again. Emotions always overwhelm me when I meet friends after a long interval. I was deeply upset when part of the memorial was demolished due to the policies of the Latvian authorities. I believe that those who did this acted very short-sightedly. The main thing is that the Mound of Friendship will remain in people's memories anyway. I want the youth to continue our traditions.

Official delegations laid flowers at the monument to Komsomol underground fighters in the village of Proshki, Belarus, and at the monument to the Great Patriotic War Hero Maria Pyntho in Russia, and also sang the legendary "Katyusha".

A memorial service for those who died during the Great Patriotic War was held at the Chapel of Sergius of Radonezh.

A concert program was prepared for the meeting participants.

Interactive areas and mobile trade were also available.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by