June 22, 1941 – a date seared into the memory of the Belarusian people

«22.06.41 – a date seared into the memory of the Belarusian people as the most terrible day in history.»

Alexander Lukashenko has addressed fellow citizens on the occasion of the Day of National Remembrance for the Victims of the Great Patriotic War and the Genocide of the Belarusian People.

"The war came to our land exactly 85 years ago. It took the lives of one in three and shattered the fates of millions of Belarusians. Year after year, on this June morning, we remember how the Brest Fortress, fortified regions, and cities stood to the death, thwarting the plans of Nazi Germany’s blitzkrieg. We remember how, for 1132 long days, the occupied republic fought, bleeding with the blood of unconquered and unbroken heroes—underground fighters, partisans, and civilians.

Our memory is the shield with which we hold back the aggression of militant revanchism. The investigation of the criminal case on the genocide of the Belarusian people is an act of just judgment over crimes that have no statute of limitations."

"We, the descendants of the victors, are obliged to always defend historical truth, cherish the memory of the heroes of that war, and instill in our children immunity against ideologies of exclusivity and national superiority, teaching them to take pride in the great feat of the Soviet people, who gave present generations life, peace, and freedom."

"Eternal light to the innocent victims of the Great Patriotic War, eternal glory to the hero-victors."