Articles by Steven Gilchrist

L ate last year in October, Belarus – a former Soviet republic, re-elected Alexander Lukashenko to another 5 year term as president.   Lukashenko, 61, a pro-Russia autocrat has been president of Belarus since July 1994.   During the election this past October, Lukashenko received more than 80% of the vote. Located east of Poland and north of Ukraine, Belarus has a population of nearly 10 million.   The country is dependent on Russia for financial and political support.   Russia provides Belarus with loans and inexpensive gas and oil.   In 1991, Belarus gained independence from Russia.   Belarus has had a closer economic and political partnership with Russia than any other former Soviet republic. Facts about Belarus: Population: 9,589,689 (July 2015 est.) Area: 207,600 sq. km (Slightly smaller than Kansas) Capital: Minsk Major Language: Russian (official) 70.2%, Belarusian (official) 23.4% Sources: “Belarus President Wins Vote” by James Marson, The Wall Street Journal ,

Boston, MA. - L ocated next to the Massachusetts State House in Boston, the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial is dedicated to the sacrifices of past, present, and future Massachusetts firefighters.   The memorial was dedicated on September 11, 2007.   The memorial includes three 10-foot statues surrounded by a “Ring of Honor.”   The bronze statues of the three firefighters were designed by sculptor Robert Shure.   The “Ring of Honor” is composed of bricks inscribed with the names of over 700 Massachusetts firefighters who have lost their lives in service to protecting their communities.   The memorial also includes the Firefighters’ Prayer and Bell. The Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial - Sculpted by Robert Shure