alexander lukashenko minister of defense of the republic of belarus lieutenant-general viktor gennadyevich khrennin dear veterans, dear participants of the solemn meeting on february 23, we celebrate one of the most revered in the republic holiday day of defenders of the fatherland and the armed forces of the republic of belarus, which this year turns 10 years old, someone might think whether it is appropriate to widely celebrate holidays in conditions when the whole world is in a state of global geopolitical tension, nato is expanding to the east, and powerful groupings of troops of western countries are already concentrated near the borders of belarus who do not hide their aggressive plans against our country. the day of defenders of the fatherland and the armed forces , like other holidays in belarus, has been and will be. just like the holidays are an opportunity to go out and forgetfulness and once again look at the path traveled, giving it the meaning to look at the present and the future to ensure the continuity of the sacred folk traditions. it is true that it is a holiday. this is the time of t