Defender of the Homeland Day in Smolensk region

On the eve of Defender of the Homeland Day in the Smolensk Hero-City there was a ceremony at the Fire of Eternal Glory, which was attended by the heads of regional and city authorities, front-line veterans, home front workers, soldiers of the Smolensk garrison, representatives of public organizations, university and school students, and visitors to the city.

Defender of the Homeland Day rightly takes its place among the most revered holidays, as it unites generations of defenders of the Homeland. For us, the Smolensk residents, this holiday is always very special. Smolensk region is the land of honor and courage, where soldiers have always been honored. The people of Smolensk always remember with gratitude all those who became heroes in the battles for the native land.

Almost every family had and still has someone who defended and is now protecting our homeland. If one chooses the military career, it means they choose hard work, constant risk, and today, unfortunately, often readiness to sacrifice their lives. Therefore, we remember with gratitude all those who distinguished themselves in the battles for the Homeland.

With deep respect the participants of the ceremony honored the memory of the fallen defenders of the Homeland with a minute of silence and laid wreaths and flowers at the Eternal Flame and the Tombs of the Heroes at the Smolensk fortress wall. The ceremony finished with the passage of the guard of honor.

On the same day the Cultural and Recreational center "Gubernskiy" hosted a meeting devoted to Defender of the Homeland Day, which was attended by veterans of the Great Patriotic War and the Armed Forces, home front workers, commanders and soldiers of the Smolensk garrison, commanders of military units, students of the Military Academy, military men and their families.

The Governor Alexey Ostrovski and other distinguished guests came to greet those for whom the protection of the Homeland is not only a sacred duty, but also a vocation.

Addressing the participants of the event – the veterans, soldiers and officers, as well as their relatives - Alexey Ostrovskiy said that Defender of the Homeland Day is associated, first of all, with the courage and resilience of the human character, fortitude and devotion, dedication and heroism of the defenders and liberators of the Homeland. Smolensk region has not for once got in the way of the enemy, every inch of the land here keeps traces of the great battles and heroic deeds.

The Governor cordially wished everyone good health, optimism and prosperity of our beloved Smolensk region.

Then the chief of the Smolensk garrison Major-General Gleb Eryomin presented the officers and soldiers with the professional awards.