subject: Tourists listen to echo of past wars [print this page] Tourists listen to echo of past wars
Amateur historians find much of interest in Belarus and, naturally, wars not only separate nations, they also unite us. A historical-cultural complex near Minsk provides full information on the engineering constructions and military vehicles of the 20th century, including those used during WWII. A battlefield has been reconstructed and those who like to re-enact regularly organise realistic shows there. The soldiers' who participate in these performances personally restore their own weaponry and uniform. In late February, when the complex was hosting a re-enactment of a winter battle, I met a visitor from the USA who said, "Americans and Belarusians have many differences but our hatred of fascism, no doubt, unites us."
This year, in June, we mark the 70th anniversary of the start of the Great Patriotic War. Thousands of guests are to arrive at Brest Fortress, in the west of Belarus. In summer 1941, its defenders fought against German troops, restraining a whole division. Of course, almost every Belarusian city has its own sites relating to war. Sadly, we experienced deep tragedy. One of the most tragic is Khatyn Memorial Complex, to the north of Minsk, located on the site of a village burnt by the fascists one of so many from that time. Its once busy paths have been replaced by concrete, with visitors viewing obelisks which resemble chimneys; each rise from the ground like exclamation marks, marking the former homes of villagers.
For the memory of the past to be honoured, we must carefully preserve the graves of our soldiers while also keeping our enemies' remains. Dozens of military cemeteries are now maintained, cared for by organisations and local residents, without distinguishing between ours' and theirs'. Often, the graves of German and Soviet soldiers border one another. Meanwhile, the search for remains continues, as does the challenge of finding the identity of the killed soldiers. The Defence Ministry's 52nd specialised batallion is involved in this task on a regular basis.
Some unearthed relics will find a worthy place in the new Museum of Great Patriotic War History, being built on Pobediteley Avenue, near the Minsk City-Hero Monument. The older building, constructed in Soviet times, no longer meets requirements.
Evidently, Belarus shall never forget the tragic events of its past, as must be apparent to those with a passion for history.
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