The participants of the All-Russian project "Dialogues with the heroes" visited Smolensk

Vyacheslav Bocharov, a Hero of the Russian Federation, and Valery Burkov, a Hero of the Soviet Union, visited Smolensk region and met with the residents of Smolensk and a number of districts of the region. The initiative of carrying out such an important project was supported by Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy, as the patriotic education of citizens is one of the priorities in the activities of the regional Administration.

During the meeting which was held at the Tenishevs Cultural and Exhibition Center Valery Burkov, a Hero of Soviet Union, shared memories and spoke about his service and participation as an advanced firing pointer in the military operations in Afghanistan.

Valery Burkov participated in operations with the divisions of motorized infantry brigade on the territory of Kandahar province. In the midst of the battle formations of motorized infantry he provided them with fire support pointing the firing of the Soviet aircraft to the enemy positions. In April 1984, he was seriously wounded, but despite this, after treatment he went back to the ranks.

Smolensk university and school students, as well as members of the youth patriotic organizations, representatives of veterans' associations of the region talked to the guest of honor about patriotic education, love for the Homeland, faith and search for moral and spiritual guidance. Young people could ask their questions and get practical advice and wise recommendations.

Also, within the framework of the "Dialogue with Heroes", Valery Burkov spoke about the heroic deed of his young friends - the heroes who gave their lives defending the interests of the Russian state - Andrei Panov and Alexander Prokhorenko.