On February 12, 2024, an open dialogue “Let Memory Speak” took place at the Brest State Technical University, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. This date is celebrated by participants in a ten-years undeclared war, officers, generals, soldiers, as well as those who did not wear shoulder straps, but were there and risked their lives along with military people: doctors, teachers and other civilian specialists.
30 thousand residents of Belarus performed international duty in Afghanistan, 723 of them did not return alive.
The speakers of the event, among whom were veterans of combat operations in Afghanistan, noted that everyone who fought there retained their Afghanistan in their memory. In this war there were examples of military valor, internationalism, manifestations of love for the Fatherland, and the willingness of people to give their lives to the cause of defending goodness and justice. For each of them, this was their first experience in the fight against terrorism.
For the courage and valour shown in the performance of military and official duties, many were awarded government awards.
At the end of the memorable event, students shared their impressions:
“The international duty that our soldiers performed in Afghanistan should not be forgotten. Their fate is in many ways an example for us. What the veterans of the war in Afghanistan told us cannot be described in ordinary words — this feat is a guideline for us. The stories and memories of veterans of combat operations in Afghanistan touch to the core.”
“It was very interesting. Only at such meetings can we hear and even see moments of those events. We learned new facts and how everything happened. We were also able to hear very beautiful poems, in which all the love and pain of parting was expressed.”
“We need more such meetings among the masses and young people. It’s beautiful, interesting, and most importantly, touches the soul.”
