Medal and tears of memory. In Vitebsk they honored a 90‑year‑old former concentration‑camp prisoner.
"Peace and health to loved ones!" Wishes the country and the people from 90-year-old former prisoner of fascist concentration camps Maria Belyaeva.
– We congratulate you on the upcoming bright holiday, Victory Day! You had to endure a lot during the war and work for the good of the Motherland after its end. Thank you for this, we wish you good health and peace! – addressed to Maria Vasilievna the head of the administration of the First of May district of Vitebsk Evgeny Semyonichev, presenting material assistance and the anniversary medal "80 years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War".
On this day, the former prisoner of fascist concentration camps also received gifts and congratulations from representatives of public associations and pioneers of educational institutions in the First of May district of Vitebsk.
– It is nice that you do not forget me. The main thing is peace and health for loved ones, I know this because I have seen a lot in life, – Maria Belyaeva addressed the guests. – When the war began, I was 6 years old. Out of seven children, I was the oldest, so I helped take care of the younger ones. I was a nanny for my mother's sister, helping my aunt look after her little son in another village. It so happened that we were taken to Germany, separating me from my mother for several years.
Returning in 1945 to her native village of Talovichi in the Surazh district of the Vitebsk region, Masha went to school. After finishing 7 grades, she started working as a milk receiver in the village of Dubrovy. And after getting married in 1957, she moved to Vitebsk, where she worked for 33 years as a seamstress at the OJSC "Classics of the Fashion Industry". For her many years of work, she was awarded the title of "Labor Veteran".
Together with her husband, Maria Vasilievna raised three children, who, unfortunately, are no longer alive, but the former prisoner is visited by her three grandchildren. Maria Vasilievna is expecting her granddaughter, who is currently studying in Minsk, to visit her on May 9. She is also attended by social worker Elena Vasilchuk, who helps around the house and treats the former prisoner with warmth and attention.
– Maria Vasilievna is very kind, remembers a lot despite her age. She does not like to talk about the war; as soon as she remembers, tears immediately come to her eyes, – said Elena Vasilchuk.