National unity firmly cemented by memory of heroic past

The tradition of honouring the most important symbols of sovereign Belarus has become truly nationwide. This idea was stated by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, at a solemn ceremony to honour the state symbols on National Flag, Emblem and Anthem Day on May 12th held in Minsk.

Marina Vasilevskaya handed over to the President the flag that was flown to the ISS      BELTA

“This tradition has grown into our hearts on the fertile soil of love for the Motherland, becoming truly nationwide,” the Belarusian leader stressed. On this day, thousands of young people across the country take a loyalty oath to the state symbols. “This is a sign of deep respect for the past, for the spiritual and moral values bequeathed to us by our ancestors. This is our sincere gratitude for the peaceful and happy present ensured by the older generation of our contemporaries,” Aleksandr Lukashenko underlined. “Most importantly, this is a demonstration of readiness to take responsibility for the fate of your country.” 
The President pointed out that the youth representatives, relying on all the achievements like on the strong shoulders of their predecessors, took up the baton to preserve and strengthen the Belarusian statehood and committed themselves to cherishing the symbols of the independent country. “For me personally, this day is filled with a special symbolism. Almost 30 years ago, on May 14th, 1995, the first referendum in the history of sovereign Belarus was held. Our people then determined their path of development and laid the foundations of the policy of the Belarusian state — a strong presidential power, a strategic alliance with Russia, and the equal state status of the Belarusian and Russian languages,” the Head of State emphasised. “Not succumbing to the threats of modern collaborators, or rather traitors from politics, remaining true to ourselves, our principles, ideals and history, we have jointly defended our true state symbols. Together we said ‘no’ to the symbols which became a real sign of trouble for us. The heirs of the people who survived the genocide, concentration camps and ghettos, who stood up to fight the enemy in numerous partisan detachments and the underground could not do otherwise.”
Thus, in 1995, an overwhelming majority of Belarusians voted for the continuity of heroic symbols.
The President of Belarus drew attention to the fact that during transitional epochs people often abandon symbols that expressed the ideas and values of the former socio-political system. “However, it was not our path. We cherish the connection of generations, continue the traditions of our ancestors, and are proud of our history. There are a lot of heroic pages in our history. We have never wavered or changed the line we are following today. We have always been faithful to the traditions of the past. We are especially proud of the fact that Belarus’ state symbols embody the unparalleled strength of spirit and contribution of our people to the Great Victory over the brown plague. They also show the labour feat of our fathers and grandfathers, who rebuilt the country on the principles of social equality and justice,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked. The modern national flag, emblem and anthem have already become symbols of sporting, creative and labour victories in the history of sovereign Belarus. The flag of Belarus was raised by polar scientists in Antarctica, paratroopers at the North Pole, and climbers on Mount Everest.
“This flag has been in space three times. First, with our countryman Oleg Novitsky, and most recently with the first Belarusian cosmonaut, Hero of Belarus Marina Vasilevskaya,” the President noted. “Today, national symbols not only unite but also act as a source of confidence and inner strength. Our emblem, flag and anthem, just like all policy, are inspired by the ideas of national dignity and genuine people’s power.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko added that the state symbols had become a part of the life and achievements of the Belarusian people in various spheres. The Belarusian coat of arms and flag can be increasingly seen in the windows of residential buildings and cars. On July 3rd — Independence Day — which this year will also mark the 80th anniversary of Belarus’ liberation, millions of compatriots will fill the squares of cities and villages to sing the national anthem together. 

“People are proud to be Belarusians. This is the embodiment of national unity — the one which is cemented by the lasting memory of the heroic feat of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, patriotism, creative work and the desire for peace. This is the unity symbolised by the National Flag, the National Emblem and the National Anthem of the Republic of Belarus. The unity that we must preserve in order to protect our country. Because the time has chosen us!” the President stressed.

Darya Titova

People started gathering at the State Flag Square in families long before the start of the celebration. Both children and their parents got a chance to admire an exhibition of folk achievements displayed by all the regions. The military personnel of the honour guard company brought the National Flag of Belarus to the square and placed it among the artists lined up to repeat the outlines of Belarus’ borders. Then the National Anthem was played. 
After the speech of the Belarusian leader, seven boys and girls — representatives from each region and the city of Minsk — took a loyalty oath to the state symbols. They were joined by the first cosmonaut of sovereign Belarus, Marina Vasilevskaya. The most touching moment of the festive day was when Marina Vasilevskaya handed over to the President the very flag that had been in orbit and consolidated the status of Belarus as a space power.  
Aleksandr Lukashenko gave a fatherly hug to the brave woman. Meanwhile, the space flag will take pride of place in the Palace of Independence. During a conversation with journalists, the cosmonaut noted that she felt happiness and pride for Belarus — an independent, peaceful, friendly country, 
“When you see your Homeland from space, you realise how much you love and appreciate it. The National Flag, Emblem and Anthem Day celebration reflects the patriotic, historical and cultural values of our country. It is symbolic that our National Flag flew around the Earth, making 224 turns. I proudly opened it over the territory of Belarus, and today I want to congratulate all Belarusians on the holiday!”
Among those who took a loyalty oath at Minsk’s State Flag Square on Sunday was Anna Kovalskaya, a future history teacher, a sophomore at the Maxim Tank Belarusian State Pedagogical University. The girl admitted that the ceremony made a lasting impression on her, “I am glad that I was entrusted to represent the youth of our capital. It was very exciting to pronounce the oath of allegiance to the state symbols in front of the Head of State and all residents of Belarus. I am going to be a teacher in the future, and my profession implies not only the preservation of history but also passing on the truth about it to new generations. I want everyone to know the history of our country so that no one repeats the mistakes of the past. After all, without knowledge of history, it is impossible to raise a true patriot and citizen. We, the younger generation, are obliged to preserve the memory of the feat that our grandfathers and great-grandfathers performed, and always remember thanks to whose victories we have a peaceful sky above our heads today.” 

What newspapers does the President read?

The press secretary of the President of Belarus, Natalya Eismont revealed in the Time of the First heading of the Main Broadcast on the Belarus 1 TV channel what press gets on the desk of the Head of State. 
According to Natalya Eismont, the main criterion is that the press should be fresh and up-to-date. Newspapers are delivered to the President early in the morning. “The President always familiarises himself with those,” the Head of State’s press secretary noted. “In addition, we prepare our own media review. This is a mandatory option. We take into account the specifics of the upcoming day and collect materials for the visits — everything that may be useful. As for newspapers, they always include our main Belarusian newspapers, like the latest issue of SB. Belarus Segodnya [Belarus Today], of course, and some additional interesting ones. The President is certainly familiar with our regional press. It can hardly be called regional, though, since its agenda is always very serious — for example, Minskaya Pravda [Minsk Truth]. The Russian press is also present on the desk of the Head of State.”

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by