The Patriotic Forum "Living Memory of Generations" was held in Vitebsk.

Over 90 people took part in the patriotic forum "Living Memory of Generations," organized by the Vitebsk Regional Association of Trade Unions and held at the 103rd Vitebsk Independent Guards Air Assault Brigade.

The forum, dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of Internationalist Soldiers, brought together government officials, veterans of the war in Afghanistan, heads of sectoral trade union organizations, and members of youth councils. They discussed the role of the 103rd Air Assault Brigade in the system of civil and patriotic education, the preservation of traditions and memory of the Afghan movement, and the continuity of generations as the foundation for the future.

Welcoming the forum participants, Vladimir Yurgevich, Assistant to the President and Inspector for the Vitebsk Region, emphasized that only a true patriot can raise true patriots. Therefore, meetings between Afghan war veterans and young people are very important, as they can explain what war is and what must not be allowed to happen again. As the Head of State says, it is better to fight on the fields and in factories and to perform heroic deeds only in peacetime.

Dmitry Demidov, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, noted that the servicemen of the renowned unit were the first to enter Afghanistan and the last to leave, having fulfilled their duty with honor and dignity. The Afghan war veterans are tasked with conveying the truth to new generations and educating them in the spirit of courage, self-sacrifice, and bravery.

According to Elena Nefedova, Chairperson of the Vitebsk Regional Association of Trade Unions, the forum aims to strengthen the connection between generations, preserve historical memory, and enhance the patriotic education of youth. There are over 500 internationalist soldiers in the ranks of the trade unions. They participate in various patriotic events and dialogue platforms, sharing their life experiences.

Guards Lieutenant Colonel Andrei Balanescu, a senior officer of the ideological work department of the 103rd Air Assault Brigade, reported that Vitebsk paratroopers performed their international duty in Afghanistan in Kabul and Bagram. Over 11,000 servicemen were awarded orders and medals, and eight were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. The unit conducts tours for students of educational institutions almost weekly, with about 3,000 people visiting the paratroopers each year.