FEBRUARY 23 - DEFENDER OF THE FATHERLAND DAY!

Dear friends!

Among the numerous state holidays and memorable dates, the Day of Defender of the Fatherland and of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus has never been subjected to “devaluation” in society. For new generations it has always been and will remain not only a symbol of loyalty to military duty and Belarusians’ resilience for freedom and independence. It’s also one of the main symbols of patriotism, of bringing up the younger generation on the examples of courage and heroism shown by the Soviet people during the Great Patriotic War, of labor feat in the restoration of national economy, and of implementing international military duty and other military exploits.

Defender of the Fatherland Day, devoid of any "gender signs," in its best traditions represents the continuity of generations in selfless service to the Motherland. In independent Belarus, it was established by the Decree of President Alexander Lukashenko on March 26, 1998. It became one of the main public holidays with more than a century of history. It has not lost relevance and significance in our peacetime - quite the contrary. In the current conditions of global instability and "colored revolutions," our country remains an example of a consistent peace-loving policy. Belarus firmly upholds its national interests as a guarantor of the protection of the State from all kinds of external challenges. But at the same time, as the Head of State has repeatedly emphasized, our country will not allow anyone to talk with us from a position of strength. Therefore, the year of 2021, declared the Year of National Unity, should become the main unifying platform in the country.

On the eve of the Day of Defender of the Fatherland and of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus, let me congratulate everyone on this holiday. I wish you all the best, peace, health, mutual understanding and success for the benefit of our Motherland.

Sincerely yours, Vitaly VELIKANOV
Rector