Dear compatriots,

Distinguished members and veterans of the Armed Forces,

I wholeheartedly congratulate you on the remarkable date – the 90^th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.

There’s no honour greater than the honour of serving your Motherland. It has long become a custom on the Belarusian land that the worthiest and most courageous men go to the Army, therefore the Army has always been a source of great pride for the people.

We remember the heroic generation of the Great Patriotic War. Our grandfathers and fathers fought to death in the Brest Fortress and Stalingrad, mercilessly crushed the enemy near Moscow, during the Battle of Kursk, in Ukrainian steppe and Belarusian forests. We bow deeply to the memory of those who died for their homeland.

The banners of the Soviet, Red Army will be forever covered with glory. Our Army liberated Berlin and Warsaw, Vienna and Budapest. Our Army brought freedom to Europe and saved the world.

We have preserved people’s army, having refused ‘mercenaries’, rebuilt the prestige of military service and deep respect for the Homeland defender.

Our Armed Forces are capable of protecting the Republic of Belarus and becoming a reliable support for our allies.

On this festive day, I heartily wish all those who served and those who are now serving in the army, good health, happiness, successes in your service and work for the benefit of our dear Belarus!

Alexander Lukashenko