Ceremony to present state awards and general’s shoulder straps to senior officers

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko presented state awards and general’s shoulder straps to senior officers in a ceremony at the Palace of Independence on 23 February.

According to the President, true defenders of the Fatherland gathered at the Palace of Independence on this day to receive awards for military services in peacetime. “We live in peace because these people stand in the way of the real enemy. They shield us as a strong wall, promptly identifying and detaining saboteurs, clearing explosive devices,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

“We have peace and quiet, because our guys infiltrate terrorist groups risking their lives, prevent the supply of deadly weapons and ammunition to the country and suppress the espionage activities of foreign intelligence services,” the head of state remarked. “Our people sleep peacefully because both officers and generals take part in combat operations, sometimes risking their life and limb. Today, the best of them have been awarded high state awards and the highest military ranks,” the head of state added.

The President thanked them for their service and for preventing hybrid attacks on Belarus from escalating into a full-scale bloodbath. “Thanks to everyone who stands shoulder to shoulder with you, protecting peace and tranquillity in our native land,” he added.

Addressing everyone who has chosen the honorable profession of defending the Motherland, and those who dream of wearing a military uniform and serving their country and people, Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized: “We are ultimately responsible for the future of Belarus”. According to the President, it is not only about the readiness to defend the country with weapons and to prevent it from being drawn into a conflict, but also about an important task of educating the younger generation.

“You are a role model for this generation. Who, if not you, should become a paragon of exceptional devotion to the Fatherland? Who, if not you, can be an example of courage and valor? An example that has an impact on you without words,” said the Belarusian leader. “After all, despite the increasing sophistication of modern technologies and means of combat, no victories can be won without fortitude and perseverance of fighters. People remain the key factor,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The President once again congratulated everyone on the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, thanked them for their military service, courage and dedication, and wished them happiness, health and success in serving their Motherland. Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that this public holiday is not only for men, it is for everyone who wears shoulder straps: “It has already become a national holiday, a women's, men's holiday. Indeed, many good, valiant women wear military shoulder straps.”