MINSK, 5 May (BelTA) – In the run-up to marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko conferred state awards on distinguished representatives of various sectors, BelTA has learned.
“Thanks to the unprecedented courage and unity the Soviet people put an end to the most terrible, bloodiest and largest war in the history of mankind. It ended with the complete defeat of fascism. For Belarus, this Great Victory and the preservation of the memory of it are part of our national idea. Occupied, tormented by the enemy, but unconquered, the country of partisans, the country of underground fighters paid a huge price for its peaceful sky. We lost every third person,” the head of state said.
He emphasized that the heroes' feat would forever remain the greatest example of selfless love for the Motherland, an example on which children are brought up, continuing the traditions inherited from the valiant generation of the winners.
Many domestic industrial giants - Belaruskali, MTZ, MAZ, BelAZ – have been tracing their history since the post-war time. “We have not just preserved this heritage, but multiplied it and turned it into famous Belarusian brands,” the head of state said.
Among those awarded with orders and medals were representatives of the security, defense and law enforcement agencies. “Eight peaceful decades have passed, but we are tested for strength almost every day. People in uniform are constantly on duty,” the head of state said. “Sometimes your feats are kept out of the public eye. But I want everyone to know that you are heroes. Thank you for your service.”
Among those honored with state awards were heads of regions and famous domestic enterprises, whose products are known and loved not only in Belarus, but also far beyond its borders.
The best agricultural workers were also honored at the Palace of Independence. Those were heads of advanced farms who are showing today how the village of the future lives and works. “Your experience is very useful to our country,” the president said.
“Of course, there is no future without those who work in science and education. You are responsible not only for training highly-qualified specialists, but also for ensuring that discoveries and developments are implemented in production as quickly as possible and benefit our economy,” the head of state emphasized.
In his words, while being proud of modern achievements, it is important to thank valiant labor veterans for preserving traditions: “Your wise advice, active life position are invaluable and help to solve many problems.”
Representatives of creative professions were also honored with state awards. “Our large-scale project Marathon of Unity has taught us a lot and showed us a lot. Within a span of several months its organizers and participants traveled all over the country with large concerts, thematic exhibitions, and dialogue platforms,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president wished that this day would not become a finishing pedestal, but become a starting point for the state award winners and their teams on the way to new achievements: “Today is not the time to rest on our laurels. Receiving awards in the run-up to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, remember the heroes thanks to whom we live today.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko extended the Great Victory greetings to everyone and wished them strong health, happiness and peaceful sky above their heads.
