Belarus’ Independence Day: the most impressive, touching, unforgettable moments of the main holiday from all over the country
Independence Day is the main state holiday and, without exaggeration, a particularly significant day in the history of the Belarusian people - the whole country celebrated 3 July on a large scale, in a vivid, sincere and warm manner even despite the fact that it was drizzling and it was cold in the capital city and the rest of the country for the entire weekend. However, many people saw it as a good sign since Belarusians and many other nations view rain as a symbol of well-being, purification, and blessing.
TV hosts said “We are broadcasting live from Minsk” as they welcomed millions of viewers as well as thousands of Minsk residents and visitors, who gathered near the Minsk Hero City Stele in the early morning. Following the established tradition, the most spectacular events of the Independence Day celebrations took place there – a solemn military parade and a festive performance dedicated to the main holiday of the country and the 74th anniversary of Minsk’s liberation from the Nazi invaders in summer 1944. Year after year the parade reminds Belarusians that cannons must be fired only on festive occasions and Air Force units must fly only in peaceful skies. Meanwhile, the parade is also meant to demonstrate the country’s military power and the army’s readiness to protect the nation if need be.
The parade of the Minsk garrison troops was spectacular: about 4,000 military personnel, 250 combat vehicles, 19 parade units on foot and 23 ones on vehicles. Opening the parade, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko noted that the celebration of independence was a symbol of courage and bravery of the Belarusian nation, continuity of generations, and adherence to duty. The head of state talked about the peace-loving policy of the country and the aim for international dialogue. He also stressed Belarus’ readiness to defend sovereignty and independence.
The mechanized part of the parade featured T-72B combat tanks, BTR-70MB1 and BTR-80 armored infantry fighting vehicles, light armored cars CS/VN3 Dragon and V1 MZKT-49100, the legendary tank T-34-85 (a prototype of the tank, which squad commander Dmitry Frolikov drove into Minsk streets on 3 July 1944). The latest products of the Belarusian defense industry on display included the self-propelled antitank robot system Bogomol, the missile system Shershen, the unmanned aerial vehicle systems Busel and Burevestnik, the radio warfare system Groza-S, the cannon 2S5 Giatsint, the howitzers 2S1 Gvozdika and 2S19 Msta-S, and the multiple-launch rocket system Polonez…
Women, who serve in the Belarusian army, cadets of military education institutions, and military personnel from the People’s Liberation Army of China took part in the parade for the first time. Following the established tradition, units of the Russian Aerospace Forces flew in Minsk’s skies. The best Belarusian pilots demonstrated their skills flying Mi-8MTV-5 and Mi-24 combat helicopters, MiG-29 fighter jets, Su-25 attack aircraft, IL-76 and An-26 military transport aircraft, Yak-130 combat and training aircraft, and L-39 training aircraft…
The military parade ended with an impressive platz concert of the silent drill company and a performance of the Belarusian army orchestra.
The celebrations continued with the theatrical performance Moi Rodny Kut (My Native Land). About 2,000 people – university and school students, singers and dance companies – staged a colorful show themed along the lines of the Year of Native Land and the unity of regions of the country. The square was filled with children wearing clothes with names of Belarusian cities and towns as a symbol of the country’s future. One thousand air balloons shaped liked hearts in colors of the state flag soared into the Minsk skies at the end of the show.
Belarus’ Independence Day continued with hundreds of festivities, family meetings and meetings of friends all over the country. A gala concert featuring stars and young artistes from all the regions of Belarus took place near the Minsk Hero City Stele in the evening. The show culminated in the traditional event Let’s Sing the Anthem Together. Fireworks went off in the skies above Minsk and the oblast capitals one hour before midnight.
