On the event dedicated to Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Belarus held at the State Archives of the Gomel Region

On February 23, 2026, an event dedicated to the national holiday, Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day, was held at the State Archives of the Gomel Region. Yuri Lebedev, Chairman of the District Organization of the Belarusian Union of Officers, participated in the event.

The event was opened by Svetlana Primakova, Chair of the Primary Trade Union Organization and Head of the Document Records and Preservation Department, who addressed the guests and archive staff with words of congratulations and a tribute to the honorable duty of men to defend the Fatherland.

«On February 23, thousands of warriors—soldiers and sergeants, officers and generals—celebrate this holiday, remembering their military service, the sublime and beautiful, the difficult and bitter things associated with it, the living and the fallen, and their reliable and loyal comrades and friends». No matter what events shake the planet, on February 23rd we come to the obelisks to honor the memory of those who did not return from the battlefield. On this day, every home, every family remembers their friends—both fallen and living», said Svetlana Primakova.

Young archivist Anastasia Artemyeva spoke about the history of the national holiday and the historical events that preceded it.

«Young people today understand the importance of being patriots of their country and its defenders. A person is unthinkable without their homeland, their region, the place where they were born. And if there is a homeland where we live, where our ancestors lived, then we need people who can defend it. That’s why the solemn and commemorative events on this holiday are so significant and widespread».

The event continued with a speech by Yuri Lebedev, who spoke about his long and difficult service to the Fatherland. In conclusion of his speech, Yuri Vasilyevich emphasized:

«This day unites all Belarusians who understand perfectly well the importance of being together and doing everything to ensure the country remains peaceful. Having endured the crucible of world wars and survived them, the Belarusian people have developed a genetic rejection and aversion to any form of aggression».

At the end of the event, the archivists once again warmly congratulated Yuri Lebedev on the holiday and presented him with a small commemorative gift.

1. Speech by archivist A.Artemyeva

2. Speech by Yu.V.Lebedev

3. Chairperson of the primary trade union organization of the archive S.Primakova

4-5. Participants of the event