To soldiers-internationalists, veterans of the war in Afghanistan

Distinguished comrades,

Today, following the tradition, the Day of Remembrance of soldiers-internationalists is celebrated, mass meetings are being held and requiem masses are taking place in temples.

Away from their Homeland, Soviet soldiers, of whom many were our compatriots, displayed valour and selflessness, faced danger with courage, came to know the real price of a human life.

The bitter grief for the fallen is always there in our hearts. Hundreds of Belarusians never returned home from Afghanistan. We bow our heads before the blessed memory of our countrymen and will never let diminish the significance of their heroic serving the people.

Soldiers-internationalists – patriots, successors of the veterans of the Great Patriotic War, people who are devoted to high ideals and who are strong in spirit – demonstrate their commitment to goodness and justice in their peaceful and military toil, their integrity.

I wish you, your relatives and beloved ones peaceful skies, good health, happiness and new achievements in your work for the benefit of our dear Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko