Belarus Remembers: 74th Anniversary of Great Victory in Minsk
Flags, red-and-green ribbons with an apple flower as a symbol of the unforgettable May of 1945, Minsk residents with portraits of their family members who took part in the Great Patriotic War and, most importantly, war veterans… These people of incredible fortitude and courage defeated the German-fascist invaders and gave us this beautiful holiday – Victory Day. A ceremonial procession dedicated to the 74th anniversary along the main avenue of Minsk gave a start to the large-scale Belarus Remembers celebrations which featured over 80 events.
The 9 May celebration in Minsk traditionally began with a wreath-laying ceremony to the Victory Monument and was attended by Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and his sons. The head of state called to preserve the memory of the Great Victory and highlighted the need for action at the state level to make sure the knowledge, experience and memory of the Great Patriotic War is passed over from the older generation over to the youth. At the conclusion of the ceremony, he talked to the veterans and representatives of the diplomatic corps, and answered journalists' questions.
The official celebrations were followed by festivities across the city: exhibitions, contests, music shows and sport competitions. A gala concert and a tournament of strongmen took place near the Palace of Sports. Belarus’ leading singing and dancing bands performed in the Upper Town. The Minsk museum and park complex Pobeda hosted the Race of the Brave.
