“We are peaceful people, but our armoured train is waiting in the sidings!”
These words from a popular song perfectly describe the situation in which non-aggressive countries live today. Belarus is just such a country. We want to build and create. Historically, our people have endured more than their fair share of wars, upheaval and destruction.
But to create, we must be able to defend what we have built. However much we may wish otherwise, we cannot do without the Armed Forces. Without defenders, the Fatherland may fall.
On 24 February 2018, at the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex with the support of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus large-scale celebrations were held to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus and Defender of the Fatherland Day.
Despite the increasingly severe frost, thousands of people attended the celebrations. Visitors enjoyed displays of weapons and military vehicles, public festivities and a karaoke centre.
Those who wished could try firing military weapons—with blank ammunition, of course. The cold is no obstacle to our people; it is an ally. The Children’s Playground was also kept busy.
Food outlets were set up throughout the complex, where visitors could sample army porridge and partake of the traditional soldiers’ 100 grams, as well as items from the regular menu.
Heated areas were available for those feeling the cold. One of them also served as a children’s club.
The celebrations culminated in several military-historical reenactments, staged one after another without a break. Over the course of 40 minutes, almost a century of military history unfolded before the spectators’ eyes: from the formation of the Red Army and episodes from the battles of the Great Patriotic War to scenes from the fighting in Afghanistan.
In the final stage of the reenactment, personnel of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus demonstrated one possible scenario for the development of an armed conflict under modern conditions.
No participants were actually injured during the “fighting”.
The reenactment featured restored military vehicles from the last century, as well as modern aircraft and armoured vehicles.
After the reenactment, dog handlers and paratroopers from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus gave demonstration performances.
The events concluded with a parade of participants.
Incidentally, the armoured train was mentioned at the beginning of this report for good reason. The Stalin Line restoration team has promised to unveil a genuine restored armoured train, which is currently waiting in the sidings. Follow our news for updates.
We Stand for Peace!
Photo: Vitaly Dorosh
Based on material from travel.otzyv.by
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