The jubilee 65th Kurgan Druzhby was held in the Verkhnedvinsk district

Delegations from Belarus and Russia uphold the tradition, established back in 1959, and come to the site of the first meeting of former front-line soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters at the Mound of Friendship, erected on the border of Belarus, Russia, and Latvia.

In 2022, a part of the memorial on the Latvian side was destroyed, and the bridge connecting the territories of the countries was demolished. Now, a metal fence with barbed wire further separates the Baltic neighbor.

- The Mound of Friendship brings together true friends. Despite Europe choosing its own path and building an "iron curtain," Belarusians and Russians continue to meet here. I dare to assure you that we are ready to restore the bridge, to be friends, to communicate, and to visit each other, - noted the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, adding that for him personally, the Mound is a place of strength, memory, and sorrow.

- I am sure that this is also true for any person in our country who understands at what cost Victory was won 80 years ago, at what cost Independence was achieved.

The head of the region noted the continuity of traditions and the connection of generations at the Mound of Friendship:

- Now, not only two neighboring districts gather here, but delegations from other regions of Belarus and Russia also come. Young people are starting to gather at the fields of the Mound of Friendship in patriotic camps. The guys live in tents for several days, communicate, and prepare joint creative performances. But most importantly, they start to make friends. This allows us to bring our countries even closer and form a foundation for unwavering friendship for many years to come, - summarized Alexander Subbotin.

The first deputy governor of the Pskov region, Vera Emelyanova, told reporters that it was by the decision of the fraternal peoples of the Soviet Union that this place was chosen for a meeting with those who, with incredible effort, achieved the Great Victory:

- What will we say to our "fathers" and parents if we do not preserve what they did for us. On this land, they fought, battled shoulder to shoulder so that we could live, so that we would have children and grandchildren. The Mound of Friendship was named so with the main positive prospect – to be friends. We all need this for people to have a bright future. We must cherish this covenant and pass it on to future generations.

Vladimir Tsetsoho, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Council of War Veterans, has been actively involved in organizing meetings at the Mound of Friendship since 1970, when he was the Chairman of the Verkhnedvinsk District Executive Committee. For the next 17 years, he continued this work as Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee.

- If you were to count all the meetings I've attended, there would be over 40. The Mound of Friendship is almost like destiny for me. Here I gained friends and comrades with whom I shared both joys and sorrows. I am glad that after a 4-year break, I am here again. Emotions always overwhelm me when I meet friends after a long hiatus. I was deeply saddened by the dismantling of part of the memorial due to the policies of the Latvian authorities. I believe that those who did this acted very short-sightedly. The main thing is that the Mound of Friendship will remain in people's memories. I wish for the youth to continue our traditions.

Official delegations laid flowers at the monument to the Komsomol underground fighters in the village of Proshki, Belarus, and at the monument to the Great Patriotic War Hero Maria Pyntho in Russia, and also sang the legendary "Katyusha".

A memorial service for those who died during the Great Patriotic War was held at the chapel of Sergius of Radonezh.

A concert program was prepared for the meeting participants.

Interactive platforms and mobile trade were also available.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by