Veteran of the Great Patriotic War Mikhail Gordon on the difficult fate, the main value and support of the state

The older generation is the living connection of times, the most reliable moral compass and the bottomless source of wisdom. The day of the elderly is a great occasion to feed on their experience and strength. Human warmth for the older generation is no less important than the care of the state, which is reflected in the stable social support of this category of citizens, targeted assistance and attention to the needs of each representative of an elegant age.

Numerous congratulations on the 97th anniversary in these autumn days were received by veteran of the Great Patriotic War and honorary citizen of the Myadel district Mikhail Gordon. In fact, the whole life of this person is inextricably linked with his native land, where he was born, grew up, created a family, worked hard. And continues to actively communicate with young people, demonstrating a vivid example of resilience, courage and kindness.

Mikhail Gershenovich in 1941 was only 12 years old, but he now remembers the first day of the war:

- My friend and I learned that the opening of the Republican pioneer camp in the village of Naroch is planned. Of course, we were wondering what was going to happen, so we got on our bikes early in the morning. There were a lot of people, but the holiday didn’t start. There was some anxiety, but there was no clarity. We went for a while and decided to go home. Swimming in the lake. The day was sunny, warm, but everyone turned over the words of a friend passing nearby: “Why are you hanging out here?” The war has begun! Hurry back home! Meanwhile, a large number of people had already gathered on the square in Myadel, and behind the podium was the secretary of the district committee of the Reshetnikov party. And we heard only his last words - he quoted Molotov: "Our business is right, the enemy will be defeated, the victory will be ours!" Six days later, the Germans stood in Myadel.

The war years were filled with terrible trials - the death of parents and little brother, relatives, neighbors, acquaintances, friends. At the end of April 1943, 14-year-old Mikhail was taken to the partisan brigade, given a captured carbine of French production and 60 rounds of ammunition. He found himself in the thick of action. Repeatedly bony breathed in the back of his head, intimidated him with bullets, explosions, barking German shepherds, wounds and autumn night standing in the swamp, after which the boots had to be removed from the skin of the legs

He met Victory Day in Ukraine, where he came for a relative to work on a construction site. A year later, on the same day after the parade in Myadel, he met his future wife Raisa, a wonderful refugee girl from the Smolensk region.

In the postwar period, Mikhail Gershenovich participated in the restoration of the destroyed economy. He held various positions, including management. So, for 12 years he headed the collective farm "Bolshevik", for 14 years he led the district veteran organization. And today in the public life of the district he is an iconic figure.

- I am happy that my health allows me to communicate with schoolchildren, young people, says the veteran. Each meeting is an opportunity to convey to our countrymen the main value that our military generation understands more than anyone else – the preservation of peace. I advise everyone to remain calm in difficult situations, be hardworking and honest. Life tests each of us for strength. The main qualities that will help you go any way are discipline, responsibility and loyalty to the word. Learn to respond directly to complex challenges and never leave your comrades in trouble. Love your Motherland not in words, but in deeds: protect the weak, create, be healthy physically and spiritually. Remember the roots, keep the order and confidently go to your goals! So much has been done in this country. We always feel the support and care of the state, including the elderly. I just want to add words of gratitude to all those who today strengthen our beloved country with their work, intelligence and invincible strength of spirit.

Serious attention is paid to the support of the older generation. The traditional center of social initiatives aimed at active longevity is Myadel TCSON. For example, here for more than ten years practiced popular breathing gymnastics Strelnikova. The other day in Myadel physical culture and health center was held the Spartakiad "Golden years - active movement!".

According to the established tradition, trade union organizations of Myadel district with gifts and treats visited the guests of the department of round-the-clock stay of the elderly and disabled in the village of Uzla. And on October 2, from 11:00 to 13:00, a specialized meeting for citizens of pre-retirement and retirement age will be held on the basis of the TCSON. There you can pass an initial interview and get advice on labor legislation.

rovdo@sb.by

Photo by Kirill Stasko and from the Myadelsky TCSON archive