President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has presented state awards to distinguished figures in various fields. More than 30 people participated in the ceremony at the Palace of Independence, BelTA informs.
Alexander Lukashenko pointed out that the ceremony was organized on the eve of the main state holiday of the Belarusian people – the Independence Day: "Back in 1944, the Red Army liberation of our capital Minsk was not just a historical event, as it seems now, but a clear indication that the Soviet Union and the Belarusian Republic managed to remain unconquered at the cost of huge efforts and human losses. Those who were born and raised in peacetime probably find it difficult to grasp the meaning of such simple words as 'we have won, we will live,' but they understood..."
"Every year on July 3 we emphasize: independence is the greatest asset of any nation, including the Belarusian one. And we will cherish and fight for it just as our heroic ancestors did. We will not have it any other way," the President stressed.
The head of state pointed out that people like those who gathered at the Palace of Independence, talented, hardworking, with great capacity for work keep Belarus strong, beautiful and independent. "The contribution of everyone to its prosperity is important and weighty," said the Belarusian leader.
Although everyone deserves warm congratulations, the President has singled out a unique person - Nikolai Cherginets, who has been awarded the title of the People's Writer of Belarus. It was noted that he is a representative of the military generation, moreover, he has gone through Afghanistan. Many of his exciting works have been translated into a dozen and a half languages and have become the basis for feature films and plays. The head of the state thanked the writer for his active civic position, state and scientific activities, for his help to young talents while heading the Union of Writers. He noted that readers are waiting for new works of the author, and the prototypes of the main characters for them may well be those who are present at the ceremony today.
Among them there were those who guard the state border. "You are now literally on the front line, guarding peace and tranquility," said Alexander Lukashenko to them. - Representatives of other armed forces perform an equally important function: those who guard our sky, provide communications, are responsible for equipment and many others. Every soldier, sergeant, warrant officer and general is important in the Armed Forces.
The head of state made a special mention of the heads of two agricultural enterprises of Grodno Region - Sergei Kremko and Vasily Gustyr. According to him, they prove year after year that they are among the best in the country. "I have already reminded, in today's realities, that grain is the new gold or oil. The demand for food in the world today is enormous. I am convinced that our farmers will not fail," said Alexander Lukashenko.
The President thanked the athletes and coaches, who were present at the ceremony, not only for their sport achievements, but also for their civic position. And the young athletes were warned by the head of state that it's time to show results and follow the example of their older colleagues.
"It's wonderful that professionals with strong moral principles also work in construction, medicine, education, art. Thanks to the musicians, who are inspired by Belarus and its beautiful people," added the head of the state.
"All of us are different. But only together, only shoulder to shoulder we can write new bright pages in the modern history of our selflessly beloved country," summed up Alexander Lukashenko.
The President also presented badges to a large group of representatives of various professions who had been awarded honorary titles. Among them is Anatoly Lappo, Chairman of the State Border Committee, who was awarded the Merited Border Guard of the Republic of Belarus title.













