For several days in a row could contemplate Vitebsk residents parade rehearsal , which will be held February 23 in the square “Three bayonets in Vitebsk”. In rehearsals involved not only military but also students of Cadet School, the Emergency Situations Ministry. Attended the rehearsals and high-ranking officials in the police uniform.

February 23 is considered in Belarus as “Day of Fatherland Defenders and Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus”. At the central site page Vitebsk City Council even published a special greeting to the soldiers and veterans of the Armed Forces. “This holiday symbolizes the best traditions of valor and glory of our country”, - said in greeting the executive committee chairman Viktor Nikolaykin.

But it is unlikely Viktor Nikolaykin or anyone else of the “fathers” of the city will be able to clearly explain how the date of February 23 is connected with Belarus, to celebrate this day as a holiday. Even if we accept the Soviet myth, February 23 allegedly had something to do with the creation of the Red Army in 1918, then how does this relate to our country, which in 1918 was under German occupation? Does being under occupation “represents the best traditions of valor and glory of our country”?

However, in the old calendar, there is 23 February 1944. Exactly on this day by order of the chief of the SS and Police Fuehrer General District “Belarus” Kurt von Gottberg was created “Belarusian boundary defense”. This collaborationist military formation, whose ranks numbered about 30,000 soldiers, actively fought against the Soviet partisans. Then maybe after that date is power and organize celebrations on February 23? If so, then this year they should celebrate a special scale, because this year is the anniversary: “Belarusian boundary defense” was created exactly 70 years ago.

dyjalog.info