22.06.2024
June 22 is the Day of National Remembrance of the Victims of the Great Patriotic War and the Genocide of the Belarusian people
June 22, 1941 is one of the saddest dates in the history of Belarus: the Great Patriotic War began on this day.
On this day, we remember those who, at the cost of their lives, fulfilled their duty to protect the Motherland, all those who died, tortured in nazi captivity, died in the rear from hunger and deprivation.
Why do we need history lessons? Most of us were born and raised in peacetime. We live, study, work, create families, raise children, strive and reach career heights, take care of our children and parents. It is only on mournful and heart-wrenching dates that we remember that it was not always possible to look so confidently into the future, to live a calm and peaceful life. One of these dates is the Day of National Remembrance of the Victims of the Great Patriotic War and the Genocide of the Belarusian people, which is celebrated in Belarus on June 22.
On June 22, 1941, Nazi Germany launched a war against the Soviet Union. The Nazis captured Brest and completely surrounded the fortress, but its defenders offered stubborn resistance to the invaders. Separate groups of Soviet soldiers continued to fight in the fortress until the 20th of July 1941.
During the war, more than 1.3 million Belarusians and natives of Belarus fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War.
During the Great Patriotic War, the fascists created more than 260 death camps and places of mass extermination on the territory of Belarus. This tragic list includes Trostenets, Khatyn, the Ozarich death zone, and the Red Coast. About 1.5 million people fell victims of genocide in the camps on the territory of our country alone. More than 9 thousand settlements have been destroyed on the territory of Belarus.
In this war, Belarus lost every third inhabitant - the memory of them will live forever.
The Great Patriotic War was a great disaster, but also a great lesson for our people and state. The victims who fell during the war and occupation are a great unhealed wound for each of us. Thanks to these sacrifices, we all remember how important it is to preserve peace despite any political and economic differences. This memory and the date dedicated to this day teach us to find compromises and appreciate everything that is dear to us and that we can lose by losing peace.
The All-Belarusian minute of silence will be held on June 22 at 12 o'clock. On the Day of National Remembrance of the Victims of the Great Patriotic War and the genocide of the Belarusian people, we will honor the memory of everyone who saved peace on our land at the cost of their lives.
Belhydromet remembers those who fulfilled their duty to protect the Motherland at the cost of their lives. A low bow to you!
