Parliament speaker hails Operation Bagration complex as contribution to defense of historical truth

Renovated after a large-scale reconstruction, the military glory complex in honor of Operation Bagration, located in Svetlogorsk District, represents the contribution of modern generations to preserving and defending historical truth and memory. Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeyenko emphasized this while talking to reporters after the complex was opened, BelTA has learned.

Igor Sergeyenko noted that the history of our country and the history of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 are marked by many memorable and tragic dates. “The most tragic one is 22 June 1941, the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. 23 June 1944 marks the start of the Belarusian strategic offensive Operation Bagration, which initiated the final liberation of Belarus from the German fascist invaders and effectively paved the way for the liberation of the peoples of Europe,” he remarked.

The speaker of the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament emphasized that the unique complex in Svetlogorsk District, which welcomed visitors in its updated form today, tells the story of Operation Bagration in great detail. “The complex itself has been significantly expanded. The interesting museum is dedicated almost entirely to a single operation. It transports us back to that time. And I am confident that it will be of interest to all categories of people, especially the youth, because it is educational. In essence, the creation of this museum complex is not only a tribute to the memory of our compatriots who died during the Great Patriotic War while liberating our country, but also our contribution to preserving and defending the historical truth and the memory of those generations. This is an important aspect,” Igor Sergeyenko stated.

He emphasized that history is being rewritten today. “How is it manifested? Our neighbors are busy substituting concepts. It begins with the destruction of monuments, the demolition of monuments to our military commanders and burial sites, and the banning of the celebration of 9 May in many countries – some even face prosecution for it,” the chairman of the House of Representatives pointed out. “And if this trend continues, in a few years many will no longer speak of the feat of the Soviet soldier who saved the world from the brown plague. Therefore, our task is to uphold and protect the truth. And this is the truth of the defenders of the Brest Fortress and Mogilev, the defenders of Stalingrad and Sevastopol. It is the truth of all the warriors who liberated Belarus, the partisans, the Panfilov heroes near Moscow, and the homefront workers of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and Russia. It is the truth of the residents of the burned-down villages of Khatyn, Ola, and other ones. We cannot do otherwise. And this [Operation Bagration memorial] complex, this museum is a matter historical memory and truth,” he added.