Belarus Marks 81st Victory Day with Events, Lukashenko Peace Call

Belarus commemorated the 81st anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory with solemn ceremonies, exhibitions, and cultural events across the country. In Minsk, thousands gathered at Victory Square to honor fallen soldiers, while Glory Hill hosted a wartime artefact exhibition. President Alexander Lukashenko emphasized the sacredness of Victory Day and called for global peace and dialogue. Russia also marked the anniversary with a grand military parade on Moscow's Red Square.

Key Points: Belarus Marks 81st Victory Day with Tributes

  • Thousands gather in Minsk to lay flowers at Victory Square
  • Glory Hill hosts wartime artefact exhibition
  • Mogilev students perform "Victory Waltz"
  • Gomel holds military parade on Lenin Square
2 min read

Belarus commemorates 81st anniversary of victory in Great Patriotic War

Belarus commemorates the 81st anniversary of WWII victory with ceremonies, exhibitions, and a military parade. President Lukashenko urges global peace.

"May 9, 1945, remains a sacred date for every Belarusian. - President Alexander Lukashenko"

Minsk, May 10

Cities and towns across Belarus held solemn ceremonies, exhibitions and cultural events to mark the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

On Saturday (local time), in the capital Minsk, thousands of residents, veterans, students and public officials gathered at Victory Square to lay flowers at the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of the Motherland and the Eternal Flame, honouring those who lost their lives in the fight against fascism.

Outside the capital, the Glory Hill memorial complex hosted an exhibition of authentic wartime artefacts, offering visitors a tangible connection to the struggles and sacrifices during the war, reports Xinhua news agency.

In Mogilev, a city in eastern Belarus, high school students participated in a "Victory Waltz" dance event, using body language to express reverence for fallen soldiers and celebrate the restoration of peace.

The city of Gomel marked the anniversary with a military parade on Lenin Square, paying tribute to the soldiers who fought for Belarus's liberation and freedom during World War II.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, in his Victory Day address, emphasised that May 9, 1945, remains a sacred date for every Belarusian.

He underscored Belarus' responsibility to safeguard global peace, warning against the resurgence of aggression and the dangers of historical amnesia. He called on all nations to choose dialogue over confrontation, development over destruction, and to preserve the legacy of victory for future generations.

Russia, too, marked the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War. The slogan "No one is forgotten, nothing is forgotten" was displayed prominently throughout Moscow, underscoring the enduring significance of Victory Day in the national memory.

White, blue and red banners emblazoned with the word "Victory" lined the capital's avenues and squares, while commemorative decorations transformed the Hero City into a vast tribute to the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.

On Saturday morning, a grand military parade was held on Moscow's iconic Red Square to honour the wartime victory.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Lukashenko's call for dialogue over confrontation is relevant today. With rising tensions globally, we need more such reminders that peace shouldn't be taken for granted. The Soviet Union's role in WWII is often underestimated in the West, so this coverage helps balance the historical narrative.
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Vikram M
While I respect the commemoration, I can't help but think about how the media often glorifies Russia's role while ignoring the complexity of the Soviet era. The Great Patriotic War was a tragedy, but we should also critique how these narratives are used politically today. Just my two paise.
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Emma D
The 'Victory Waltz' sounds so poignant! 🕊️ It reminds me of how our own freedom fighters are remembered through songs and dances in school programs. War leaves scars, but these ceremonies help heal by honoring sacrifice. I just wish every nation would prioritize peace like this.
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Siddharth J
Belarus and Russia go all out for Victory Day every year. It's striking how the 'No one is forgotten, nothing is forgotten' slogan echoes our own sentiment about soldiers and martyrs. But one wonders if the same energy applies to remembering the human cost of modern conflicts elsewhere.
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Michael C
The article highlights a crucial lesson: the dangers of historical amnesia. We see echoes in India where some try to rewrite history for political ends. Events like these should unite people, not divide. Let's hope the message of peace resonates beyond borders.

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