Solemn ceremony of awarding colonel’s shoulder straps hosted by Museum of Great Patriotic War History in Minsk

The Victory Hall at the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War has hosted a solemn event to present state awards and shoulder straps to staff from the internal affairs agencies and military personnel of Belarus’ Interior Ministry, sb.by reports with reference to the country’s Interior Ministry

Opening the solemn ceremony, Belarus’ Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakov noted that such events are traditionally held in this sacred place for all Belarusians, “We always remember our colleagues who gave their lives for a peaceful sky in different years, as well as the heroes who defended independence and security during the Great Patriotic War. Our task is to maintain this security.”

According to Mr. Kubrakov, the rank of colonel is granted by the Head of State’s decree. “It is a significant honour for each employee, as their professional performance is assessed by the President. Following a good tradition, the Interior Minister presents the colonel’s insignia within the Interior Ministry. Additionally, today, state awards have been given to those who have dedicated decades of service. I sincerely congratulate my colleagues and wish them happiness, health and success I also wish all citizens of Belarus a peaceful sky above them. We, the employees of the internal affairs bodies and the military personnel of the internal troops, will do everything possible to maintain calm and safety in our land,” the Interior Minister emphasised.

“Currently, the majority of employees who have been promoted to the rank of colonel are heads of territorial internal affairs bodies. They are responsible for making on-the-ground decisions. Recently, the Internal Ministry’s Board made some adjustments: the ranks of police colonel released in the central office were transferred to the territorial police departments. Today, we have presented shoulder straps to these officers. I would like to extend special thanks to the heads of the regional internal affairs departments in the border areas with Ukraine. These employees are in state of readiness around the clock. It is essential for department heads to recognise that they are responsible for their staff and that many things depend on their decisions,” Mr. Kubrakov stated.

Photos: Interior Ministry’s Telegram channel