Lukashenko to lead V-Day march with war veterans in Minsk

MINSK, May 9 (Itar-Tass) -- Many thousands of people and the war
veterans, who are the main participants in the festivities, will take part
in a festive march on the occasion of the 66th anniversary of the Great
Victory in the Great Patriotic War here on Monday.
More than 35,000 war veterans celebrate the Victory anniversary in the
republic this year.
The Heroes of the Soviet Union, the war veterans of the Great
Patriotic War and the Armed Forces, President Alexander Lukashenko and
other top officials will march in the first two lines. The former front
warriors, who are not so healthy to march together with all servicemen,
will drive by 12 UAZ jeeps following the servicemen.
The squadron of the Guard of Honour, a distinguished orchestra of the
Armed Forces and an orchestra of the Military Commandant's Office will
participate in the march.
"This date went down forever in the history of our country. The heroic
history of Belarus did not see a fiercer battle than the Great Patriotic
War. No feat was more significant than the feat of the Soviet soldier, who
protected the Motherland from the enemy and saved the world from the
Nazism," the Belarusian president said in a congratulatory message on
Victory Day.
The festive events will be held in all regions of the republic on
Victory Day. Minsk will celebrate May 9 with an intensive cultural and
entertainment program. Massive gatherings, festive concerts, commemoration
rallies, youth actions, exhibitions, contests, student forums, sport
events will be held in all Minsk districts on Victory Day.
The Park of Victory, where a new building of the Belarusian state
history museum of the Great Patriotic War will be located, will turn into
one of the main festive stages this year. The performances of professional
and amateur companies and brass orchestras are scheduled. All their
program will be made of the wartime music. Meanwhile, a wartime photo
exhibition will be opened; an exposition of professional artists on
military issues will be placed on the park embankment. The festive
fireworks will culminate Victory Day.