VADIM SINYAVSKY ATTENDED A SOLEMN EVENT AT THE "KURGAN OF GLORY" MEMORIAL COMPLEX

Rescuers continued to participate in commemoration events dedicated to the Independence Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from Nazi invaders. A presentation of state awards and a solemn transfer of fire-fighting and rescue equipment took place at the "Kurgan of Glory" complex.

It is worth noting that today marks the 55th anniversary of the opening of the "Kurgan of Glory to the Soviet Army, Liberator of Belarus". This monument was erected in honor of the soldiers who participated in the Operation "Bagration" to liberate Belarus.

The award ceremony was hosted by the Minister for Emergency Situations, Vadim Sinyavsky, who was joined by the leadership and staff of the Ministry, as well as representatives from territorial divisions and subordinate organizations, cadets from the University of Civil Protection, and guests of honor including the chairman of the NGO "Rescuer", Alexander Kudryashov.

Independence Day symbolizes the sovereignty of our country and the unity of its people, as well as the courage and heroism that have been demonstrated in times of crisis. It is a celebration that honors the pride and unfading glory of the veterans of the Great Patriotic War and the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for peace and stability, ensuring the confidence of citizens in the future. We will always remember those who have given their lives and sacrifices for our bright future, fulfilling their duty to their country. As we pay tribute to their memory, the participants placed flowers at the memorial complex in honor of these heroes.

Vadim Sinyavsky congratulated everyone present on Independence Day, emphasizing that this holiday embodies the memory of our ancestors' heroic deeds, the centuries-long history and rich culture of our country. He emphasized that the opportunity to control one's own destiny, breathe clean air, and live under a peaceful sky is of utmost importance to any nation.

-Belarus remembers its heroes and those who sacrificed their lives during the Great Patriotic War - the battles for our Fatherland, for life, freedom, and independence. Unfortunately, the struggle for our homeland continues today. However, if we all work together and responsibly perform our duties to protect our population, our country will always remain safe,- said the head of the Ministry.

Also, as part of the ceremony, heads of departments were presented with certificates for fire and rescue equipment. Six tankers will be dispatched to the Gomel and Brest departments of emergency situations, one autogyro aircraft will be made available to Belarusian aviators, and two passenger cars will be given to the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels.

At the end of the event, the Minister for Emergency Situations, Vadim Sinyavsky, planted a tree in memory of Hero of the Soviet Union, Nikolai Gastello, on the "Alley of Heroes" near the Kurgan of Glory.

For reference, two years ago, rescuers planted an Alley of Heroes next to the Kurgan of Glory, in honor of eight firefighters who were Heroes of the Soviet Union. At that time, the leadership of the Ministry decided to study archival materials and identify those who served in paramilitary fire protection during the Great Patriotic War and later fought in the Red Army and partisan units on the territory of Belarus. Since then, this work has continued. This year, we learned about another firefighter hero, Nikolai Frantsevich Gastello. He was a hero of the Soviet Union who stood up to fight fascism from the very beginning of the war. He was of Belarusian nationality, and his father was born in the Korelich region of the Grodno area. Before the war, he was the commander of a fire brigade at the Murom locomotive plant.On June 26, 1941, Soviet pilot Nikolai Gastello performed a "fire ram" - sitting at the controls of an aircraft shot down by German forces, he guided it directly into a column of enemy equipment. Gastello destroyed the fascists' vehicles and tanks, but he and his entire crew perished in the process.

Last week, rescuers, led by the Minister, participated in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to honor pilot Gastello in Korelichi, in the Grodno region.