MINSK, 2 July (BelTA) – The victory roads that were travelled during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 represent Belarus’ way towards independence. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement during a solemn assembly dedicated to Independence Day, BelTA has learned.
The head of state noted that on these days Belarusians recall the most important pages of their history. As they mark yet another anniversary of the country’s liberation from Nazi invaders, in their thoughts they travel along the victory roads starting with the liberation of the town of Komarin and ending with heroic Brest Oblast.
“It is our way, the way towards our independence,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stated. “Exactly 80 years ago, on 3 July, after wild years of the occupation a red banner was once again hoisted above the capital city of our Motherland. That banner immediately became a historical symbol of our freedom.”
The president recalled that this image has been preserved in the fabric of the state flag of the Republic of Belarus by the will of the Belarusian nation. The date 3 July became a state holiday – Independence Day – in accordance with the same will of the people.
“This holiday and symbols of our country represent a tribute to the memory of the victorious Soviet nation, a tribute to the memory of Belarusians, who endured all the hardships of the terrible years of war,” the head of state pointed out. “Today we look at those events from the height of thousand years of historical experience. We look into the very depth of centuries. It is the challenge of time, the time when geopolitical risks and threats are aggravated.”
