Belarus National Anthem: How the Modern Version Came to Be

On September 24, 1955, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the BSSR adopted the song 'We, Belarusians' by composer Nestor Sokolovsky with lyrics by Mikhase Klimkovich as the State Anthem of the BSSR.

After Belarus gained independence, Sokolovsky's music was retained, but the lyrics needed updating to reflect new historical realities. In 2002, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced a competition for the best version of the national anthem.

Poet Vladimir Karyzna won the competition. He revised the classic verses by Mikhase Klimkovich, preserving the recognizable chorus and the key line 'We, Belarusians – peaceful people.'

On July 3, 2002, the anthem was performed for the first time on Independence Day. Today, it is an integral part of every official ceremony in the country.