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Former paratroopers in Minsk traditionally celebrated Airborne Forces Day on August 2.
The holiday started to be observed in the Soviet era. On this date, ex-paratroopers put on the most distinguishing pieces of the uniform of the USSR’s Airborne Forces (“VDV”), a telnyashka (blue and white striped undershirt) and a blue beret, and gather in public places.
Many former paratroopers were seen near the Island of Tears memorial to Soviet soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
Following another tradition, they consumed much alcohol and bathed in fountains, something that is normally not allowed by police. //BelaPAN