Press releases

MINSK, 21 March (BelTA) – The campaign headlined as May Khatyn Bells Never Stop Tolling will be the central event of the commemorative events to mark the 75th anniversary of the tragedy, BelTA learned from the Culture Ministry.

The ministry noted that this international socio-political event emphasizes the role of Belarus in the preservation of the historical truth about the events of the Second World War and is the country’s contribution to the efforts to prevent the resurgence of Nazism and preserve peace in the world.

The campaign includes a number of events. On 21 March the Belarusian State Philharmonic will host a concert “Khatyn is in Our Hearts” featuring the State Academic Symphony Orchestra, the Chamber Choir of Belarus and the Shirma Academic Choir who will perform Mozart’s Requiem. The concert will be attended by the participants of the international scientific conferences on the 75th anniversary of the Khatyn tragedy running in Minsk, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, the concentration camp child prisoners, members of the public, diplomats. “The Requiem is a tribute to the memory of all victims of the Nazism. Our goal is to show the world the historical significance of the lessons the Khatyn tragedy and the need to unite the efforts to prevent armed conflicts, the resurgence of Nazism in all its manifestations,” the minister said.

On 22 March the Khatyn Memorial will host a commemorative meeting May Khatyn Bells Never Stop Tolling. “This will be a living history event. The audience will be first immersed in the tragic event that is 75 years away from us and will be led back to the modern day. The program also includes a wreath-laying ceremony on behalf of the head of state, government agencies, public and religious organizations, the diplomatic corps. The leaders of the four major religions of the country – the Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish – will join in the Belarusian prayer for peace,” the ministry said. The commemorative meeting will be preceded by a special first day cover ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the Khatyn tragedy.