Lukashenko helps beautify WW2 memorial

MINSK, 22 April (BelTA) – On the day of the nationwide subbotnik Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko worked to beautify the World War Two memorial complex Khatyn, BelTA has learned.

As part of his team the head of state was busy planting trees in the territory of the complex. A small oak tree grove has been planted there: as many as 80 oak trees have been planted on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the tragedy. Representatives of worker collectives, activists of the public association Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM) came to Khatyn to participate in the nationwide subbotnik (voluntary labor day). They took care of cleaning up and landscape gardening, of adding more soil and flattening it out.

Before getting down to work Aleksandr Lukashenko together with the director of the memorial complex Artur Zelsky was made familiar with the beautification of the complex. As he examined the territory, the president said: “It is necessary to do something every year. To add some cherry on the cake every year.” A restored church in the territory of the complex has become one of such “cherries”, he remarked.

Artur Zelsky noted: “The church fits these surroundings surprisingly well. As if it was always there. Besides, it has the style of the 18th century without overdoing it. What was done here in 2022 can be compared only to the creation of the memorial itself. A new life was breathed into the memorial. It is entirely your accomplishment.” In his words, over 10,000 people have visited the memorial complex within one month.

The head of state stressed: “The Brest Fortress and Khatyn are internationally famous places. This is why we certainly have to keep up the highest standards there.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko explained why it is necessary to plant greenery in the memorial complex. “It was a beautiful village. Particularly here when it was swamped with greenery and flowers in spring… Apple trees in blossom.”

He emphasized that all the trees planted last year had taken root. The thoughts of those who did this work may have had something to do with it. “Everything in nature feels things and is interconnected. We simply haven't learned it yet. It seems to me we know nothing at all about nature. This is why we'd better pray for it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

On the whole, he is convinced that by beautifying the memorial complex participants of the subbotnik are doing the right thing.

Aleksandr Lukashenko has been helping beautify the World War Two memorial complex Khatyn for two years in a row during subbotniks. A month ago he and his sons visited the complex on the 80th anniversary of the Khatyn tragedy.

A museum was built ahead of the anniversary. Large-scale restoration work was performed. “The most important thing is the exposition that will be there. I want people to feel pain in their hearts even before they set foot here,” Aleksandr Lukashenko gave the instruction as he visited Khatyn in April 2022. Young Belarusians actively contributed to implementing the head of state's initiative. As a result, the restoration of the memorial complex was declared an all-Belarusian youth construction project, which brought together families and worker collectives from all over the country.

The museum is full of exhibits and modern interactive technologies that allow telling visitors about the dreadful events of the past as realistically as possible. Terrible crimes committed by the Nazi and their aiders and abettors in the Belarusian land are behind every wall, every photo in the museum.

In his speech during the Khatyn commemoration event a month ago Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Once again I want to repeat to all of you and to those who will hear me: come here more often, bring your children with you, your own children, children of your neighbors, of other people. If we forget the road to Khatyn, everything will happen again. We must avoid it. Life is most precious.”

Back then he also visited the church, which had been rebuilt in the territory of the memorial complex in the image of the church that previously existed in the village and was destroyed during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. The head of state lit a candle in the temple.