Opinions & Interviews

Minister: Belarus does a lot for war memorialization

Aleksandr Karlyukevich

MINSK, 5 May (BelTA) – Belarus is doing a lot to memorialize war events, Belarus’ Information Minister Aleksandr Karlyukevich told the media on 5 May. Together with the heads of the organizations of the sector, he took part in a solemn ceremony to lay flowers at the Monument to the Hero of the Soviet Union Zhumash Asanaliyev, who performed a feat in the battle to liberate Belarus from the Nazi invaders in 1944, BelTA has learned.

“It is no coincidence that we have come to the Zhumash Asanaliyev monument today. Our branch enterprise, Yakub Kolas Polygraph Plant is located nearby. We try to always come to this monument on 9 May, and, if possible, on other holidays and anniversaries, as well. Belarus was liberated by representatives of different nations, and we honor their memory. A lot is being done in Belarus to memorialize the events of the Great Patriotic War, to honor the heroes of the Great Victory, and it deserves respect,” said Aleksandr Karlyukevich. 

The minister stressed that laying flowers at the obelisks and monuments to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War is an opportunity to pay tribute to these people. “It is an opportunity to show that inside you, your heart and soul, you have contact with the memory, that you remember not only these places and people, the monuments to which and whom you have come to, but also your loved ones and friends. Many media projects are run today on television, by BelTA, in press. They are all related to the celebration of memory, including through connection with our loved ones and friends, grandfathers and great grandfathers. I believe it is important for people,” he said.

The monument to Zhumash Asanaliyev, Hero of the Soviet Union, was erected on 1 July 2005 on the initiative of the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Belarus.

Zhumash Asanaliyev (born on 10 May 1923 – died on 25 June 1944) was a machine gunner of the 199th Guards Rifle Regiment of the 67th Guards Rifle Division, the 6th Guards Army, the 1st Baltic Front. During the battle near the village of Labeiki, Vitebsk Oblast on 25 June 1944, an enemy mine exploded near the Soviet soldiers. Left alone, Asanaliyev continued to fight. When the Nazis surrounded him, he decided not to surrender and activated the last anti-tank grenade, exploding himself and the enemies. Posthumously, he was awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union title.

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