Belarus' PM: Patriotism is defined by person's life stance, not by words and slogans

MINSK, 14 May (BelTA) - Patriotism is defined not by words and slogans, but the people's life stance and their daily deeds for the good of their native country, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said at a ceremony to honor the national flag, emblem and anthem on the State Flag Square in Minsk on 14 May, BelTA has learned.

The annual ceremony of pledging allegiance to the state symbols of the Republic of Belarus by young citizens of the country traditionally took place on the square in the Belarusian capital.

The Belarusian head of government read out the message of greetings from President Aleksandr Lukashenko on the Day of the National Flag, National Emblem and National Anthem of the Republic of Belarus. Roman Golovchenko also personally congratulated the audience and all citizens of the country on the national holiday.

“I would like to say a few words to those who are taking the oath today. I am sure each of you will remember this day as one of the most important events in your lives. In the future, you will come here to hear the same oath recited by your children, whom you will raise to be true patriots. Please do not forget that patriotism is defined not by words and slogans, but by the people's life stance, their daily deeds for the benefit of their native country,” the prime minister said.

Roman Golovchenko has urged young people to remember that today the state symbols represent the independence and state sovereignty of Belarus, uniting all the Belarusians in the desire to preserve the way of life, native traditions and the heroic past. “Love for the native land, careful attitude to traditions and historical memory are the key to preserve the nation, and also to strengthen the role of our Belarus on the world stage,” he stressed.

Several thousand people, mainly the youth, gathered in the State Flag Square in Minsk to take part in the solemn ceremony. To the sounds of the anthem, the guard of honor carried a huge State Flag of Belarus and an image of the emblem onto the square.

The oath of allegiance to the state symbols were said by the youth from all the regions and Minsk. The ceremony also included creative patriotic performances by youth groups representing the Belarusian oblasts and Minsk.