Today, February 23, our country celebrates Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Belarus.
Dear colleagues, dear students of the Belarusian National Technical University! Please accept my sincere congratulations on Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Belarus. This holiday symbolizes pride, courage, fortitude, and dedication to defending the Motherland.
We bow our heads to those who dedicated their lives to ensuring the peace and security of the Republic of Belarus. We honor the memory of the military achievements of our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers, who demonstrated outstanding heroism and fortitude during the difficult war years. It is thanks to their selfless labor and courage that we live freely and peacefully under peaceful skies.
Today, the memory of this heroic act and their willingness to defend the Motherland are passed on to new generations through upbringing, education, and personal example. The heroic acts of these veterans inspire a new generation of BNTU students and staff to strive to benefit their country and to stand up for its interests and values. Our university nurtures future officers, engineers, and specialists who will go on to serve and work honestly and conscientiously for the good of our country.
I sincerely wish veterans, active military personnel, and cadets good health, success in their professional and personal lives, courage, and confidence in the future. May your daily work contribute to the development of our country and guarantee its sovereignty. May peace and tranquility teach us to appreciate the present and boldly look to the future, and may the unity and continuity of generations strengthen our Fatherland.
Rector
S. V. Kharitonchik
Events organized on this day unite military personnel, veterans, law enforcement officers, cadets, and all who are grateful to the defenders of our country.
History of the holiday
Belarusians celebrated Defenders of the Fatherland Day back in the Soviet era. The holiday was founded in 1918 as the birthday of the Red Army. This day received official status in 1922 and became known as Red Army Day. The holiday was subsequently renamed Soviet Army Day (1946), and from 1949 to 1991, citizens celebrated it as Soviet Army and Navy Day.
In sovereign Belarus, by presidential decree of March 26, 1998, the holiday was renamed Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Belarus. Traditionally, February 23rd is celebrated in the republic with the participation of military personnel. Concerts, processions, roundtables, and dialogue platforms on military topics are held. In addition, memorials are laid at monuments, and citizens observe a moment of silence in memory of the soldiers who gave their lives in service to their homeland. Heroes are also honored on this day, and those who have demonstrated courage, dedication, and professionalism in their service are awarded.
BNTU on this day
In the lead-up to and on the holiday itself, staff and students of the Belarusian National Technical University organize a number of events. For example, university volunteers visit the Minsk City Social Nursing Home "Istok," where veterans live and receive treatment, bearing gifts. Performing groups from the Department of Culture perform patriotic songs and instrumental numbers for the residents on stage. Over a cup of tea and accompanied by guitar chords, Polytechnic students interact with veterans, who talk about life during the war, sharing family stories and valuable life lessons.
BNTU cadets, students, and staff lay flowers at the monuments and graves of soldiers, salute the fallen, and observe a moment of silence to honor their memory, expressing respect for their immortal heroism.
The university also hosts a concert to commemorate Defender of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day. Representatives of the Rector's Office, the Military-Technical Faculty, and artists from the UDC are participating in the celebration. During the event, university and faculty leadership deliver congratulatory addresses, and officers and cadets are awarded in accordance with holiday orders. Familiar military and Belarusian songs sing from the stage. Dancers perform folk choreography, and instrumentalists play melodies filled with the spirit of unity and national pride.
Events dedicated to Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day are an important part of the patriotic education of the university's youth. They help preserve historical truth, foster a sense of pride in their country, and respect for veterans.
Congratulations to all defenders of our Fatherland! Dear veterans, service members, and cadets, we wish you good health, prosperity, and fortitude. May you be surrounded by loyal comrades and friends, and may you always be welcomed at home with warmth and care. You are the pillar of Belarus, and thanks to you, we can live peacefully and confidently look to the future.
