"We have something to protect, something to preserve for ourselves and for future generations." Interview with the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies on the significance of the Day of National Unity and historical past
The history of the Fatherland has always been in demand, especially in our time, not only in scientific and educational circles. On the eve of the Day of National Unity, many thematic events were held, at which professional historians, activists of public organizations and political parties spoke about the fateful significance for Belarus and all of Europe of the events of autumn 1939 on our land. We discuss this and other aspects related to the Day of National Unity and the Year of Historical Memory with the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the RPO "Belaya Rus" Vladimir Terentyev.
— Vladimir Vladimirovich, as a historian by education, what do you see as the significance of the liberation campaign of the Red Army, when on September 17, 1939, our troops crossed the Soviet-Polish border and took the population of Western Belarus and Western Ukraine under protection?
— As a result of the liberation campaign of the Red Army, Western Belarus became part of the BSSR. The reunification of Belarusian lands into a single country was an act of historical justice. This most important event strengthened the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belarus, ensured further consolidation and unity of the Belarusian nation, and recognition of the country by the world community. After the Law "On the Admission of Western Belarus into the Composition of the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic" was signed on November 14 at the extraordinary III session of the Supreme Soviet of the BSSR, our territory increased from 125.6 to 225.6 thousand square kilometers, and the population increased from 5.6 million to 10.3 million people.
In one of his speeches, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko emphasized: "The loss of the image of a heroic past leads the state to catastrophe and deprives the people of the future. It is important to cherish the memory of the people, historical truth, and not to allow falsification of events that are fateful for the country." One of these milestones is the events that began on September 17, 1939.
— How did your colleagues in public activities perceive the establishment of the new public holiday last year?
— We, the deputies and members of the public association "Belaya Rus", embraced the Day of National Unity with all our hearts and souls. At the VI All-Belarusian People's Assembly, two dates for celebrating the Day of National Unity were discussed: September 17 and November 14. The majority of delegates voted for the first option. The date, in my opinion, was chosen justifiably. The new public holiday should remind us who we are and where we come from, instill pride in our ancestors who, through all trials, carried the understanding that Belarusians are a united, self-sufficient, and unique people. The establishment of the Day of National Unity holiday allows us to comprehend historical realities in the modern world and give them the only correct interpretation. Today, the Belarusian people are united in choosing a strategic course for the development of a strong, sovereign, and prosperous country.
Members of "Belaya Rus" always take an active part in events dedicated to the Day of National Unity. These include car and bike rallies, forums, campaigns, and many other activities.
Here are just a few of them. In 2021, the regional organization of the public association "Belaya Rus" participated in the republican project "For Belarus! September 17 is the Day of National Unity!" with the participation of the Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, Natalya Kochanova, as well as in the republican forum of patriotic forces "Symbol of Unity" at Minsk-Arena.
"Belaya Rus" launched a major nationwide project – the socio-political marathon "17 Facets of Unity". From September 6 to 15 this year, socio-political forums were held in 17 regions of the country.Its participants discussed topics such as the patriotic values of the Belarusian people, the national idea of the Belarusian state, our historical path of development, and the public demand for party building at the present stage of the development of civil society in Belarus.
— As the head of the parliamentary corps and a public figure, you often visit various corners of the Vitebsk region and can judge the sentiments of the residents of the Dvina region. What did the events of 2020 teach people, when destructive forces tried to overthrow the legitimate government?
— The events of 2020 made us feel more acutely what is truly dear to us Belarusians: freedom, peaceful life, tranquility. It also became obvious that Belarusian society is diverse. These are the realities of modern Belarus. Therefore, it is very important to form a system of vital ideas, values, and beliefs in our citizens, especially young people, to explain the priorities and advantages of the Belarusian model of the country's socio-economic development. People, for the most part, supported the government and its political course in previous years and continue to support it now. We have something to cherish, something to preserve for ourselves and for future generations. The residents of the Vitebsk region, and indeed the whole country, are fully aware of this truth.
— The authorities and public associations of the Vitebsk region have always paid great attention to perpetuating the memory of the Fatherland's defenders and to patriotic actions. What work is being carried out in this direction in the Year of Historical Memory?
— We continue to implement the state program "Perpetuating the Memory of Those Who Died in the Defense of the Fatherland," which contributes to the preservation of the military-historical heritage of the Belarusian people and the civic-patriotic education of youth. The Year of Historical Memory has given new impetus to the work in this direction. This is the sacred duty of the current generations to those who gave their lives for the sake of peace, freedom, and independence.
Our organization is constantly working to improve military burial sites located in the region. Here are just a few examples. This year, the public association "Belaya Rus" and UP "Vitebskoblgaz" initiated the installation of granite slabs at military burial site No. 2396, located in the civilian cemetery in the village of Novosyolki, Bogushevsky rural council, Senno district. The regional organization "Belaya Rus" petitioned for the installation of a memorial plaque in Vitebsk at the site of the house where Lieutenant General Ivan Lisov was born. With the active support of the public association, more than 60 schools in the Vitebsk region have been named after Heroes of the Soviet Union – our countrymen and participants in the liberation of Vitebsk region from the Nazi invaders.
— What else is the public association you lead involved in today?
— The Vitebsk regional organization "Belaya Rus" has over 19.5 thousand members united by a common value system, a sense of patriotism, an active civic stance, personal initiative, and a desire to be useful to society and the country. It is a living organism that is sensitive to the state of civil society and the political situation in the country. All structural divisions of the regional organization actively participate in socio-political, socio-economic, cultural, and charitable projects at both regional and national levels.
Our activists are a significant political force and participate in election campaigns and political actions in support of the current government. The unity of the association was demonstrated during the 2020 presidential elections in the Republic of Belarus, in the work of dialogue platforms, and during the monitoring of public opinion on issues submitted to the 2022 referendum, as well as in providing humanitarian aid to refugees on the Polish border and to residents of Ukraine affected by the military conflict.
The public reception offices of "Belaya Rus" serve as a unique platform for consolidating public initiative representatives, authorities, and the deputy corps.
The association's signature projects include the republican campaigns "Belaya Rus" — for a strong and prosperous Belarus!", "I am a citizen of the Republic of Belarus", "Victory Waltz", "Belaya Rus" — with love for children", and many others.
We see the identification of trends for the further development of the association, the development of a new program, and the possible transformation into a political party as an important area of activity.
— As representatives of government bodies and public associations supporting state policy, how do you strive to convey historical truth to young people? Do you find common ground with young people?
— We are aware that youth is the basis for the transformation of society, the development and future of the country. The formation of an independent, well-rounded personality, a positive worldview of a young citizen, and instilling a sense of patriotism in him are fundamental positions for society and the state. In our regional organization, the number of its members under 30 years of age is 14 percent of the total number. The public association has initiated a number of youth creative projects, such as "Golden Pen of Belaya Rus", "Belarusian Republican Debate League", the republican competition among students and employees of vocational-technical and secondary specialized education on patriotic education "Heritage". Targeted support is provided to talented youth. We pay special attention to the members of the Youth Parliament under the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus.
Preserving historical truth is an integral part of the civic and patriotic education of the younger generation. The public association "Belaya Rus" closely cooperates with the BRSM, educational institutions of all levels in implementing joint projects and initiatives.
Interaction with the youth audience is an integral part of my professional and public life. I started my career in education. I was at the origins of the youth movement of sovereign Belarus in the Vitebsk region. The youth environment is very dynamic, proactive, and creative, gratefully absorbing advanced ideas and technologies. The future of the country lies with them.
The public association "Belaya Rus" should be at the epicenter of events, political, social and economic innovations, and should feed society with bold ideas. Therefore, close cooperation with all socio-political forces of the country, representatives of the government vertical, and the deputy corps, aimed at the well-being and prosperity of the independent and free Republic of Belarus, is a priority for the future.
"Vitbichi"