“Nowhere will you feel truly at home like on your own land.” Youth of Belarus on National Unity Day

Participants of the youth forum “Youth”. Belarus. The “future” in the capital’s Sports Palace feel a deep attachment to their small homeland, remember the past, are proud of the country and strive to build its future. Representatives of youth organizations and students shared what National Unity Day represents for them, BelTA reports

At the forum, an important symbol of the connection between generations was a red banner dating from the late 1930s to the early 1940s. It is assumed that it participated in the liberation campaign of the Red Army and in local popular assemblies in the territory of the Bialystok Territory and the modern Grodno region in September 1939. For the first time in the history of independent Belarus, this banner was presented at solemn events dedicated to the Day of National Unity as one of the key symbols of the holiday.

Anastasia Kulikovskaya, who arrived at the forum from Glubokoe, noted that the history of her hometown is inextricably linked with events that emphasize the importance of unity.

“The city of Glubokoye felt the full scale of unity because we were under occupation by Poland. It was a difficult time, so we celebrate with joy. For us it is a celebration of love and unity, she said.

Anastasia visited the forum to present her district and chat with young people from different parts of Belarus. She noted that such events provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss new initiatives that could later be implemented at the local level.

“It is very nice to see you, to talk, to discuss some plans. Someone has ideas, someone has already implemented something. With these ideas, we will go to our deepest, she shared.

Polina Korneva, a fifth-year student of the Belarusian State Medical University and winner of the National Literary Prize of the Republic of Belarus, attaches special importance to her native land. In her works, she often turns to the theme of a small homeland, exploring why these places remain so important for people.

“Nowhere will you feel truly at home, as in your own land,” said Polina.

Traveling abroad allowed her to become more aware of her connection with her native land. Young writers can maintain interest in Belarus through their works and demonstrate how native and important the places where you were born and grew up can be.

“The best place is where I was born,” she said.

The National Unity Day is a time to remember the history, cultural heritage and common values that unite Belarusians.

“If we do not, we will simply cease to exist as a nation. That is why we need as many historical events as possible that help us remember.

Elena Sharkovich, who heads the youth wing of the Belarusian Union of Women of the Vitebsk State Order of Friendship of Peoples of the Medical University, took part in the forum, striving to enrich her knowledge and get unforgettable impressions. According to her, such events contribute to the fact that young people are aware of their importance in the development of the country and feel responsible for its future.

This is our future, our development and what we really need to promote, celebrate and why we need to hold such holidays, forums, meetings where all parties and youth organizations gather. Because we are the future of our country, she said.

Roman Marchenko, a member of the regional movement “Iskra” from the party “White Russia”, arrived for the holiday from Vitebsk. For him, the Day of National Unity is primarily a memory of the reunification of the Belarusian territories.

For me, this is the day when the Red Army liberated Western Belarus, when our country was fully reunited.

Roman is convinced that young people need to study the history of their country, understand what events led to the formation of modern Belarus, and maintain interest in its past.

The forum, which brought together young people from all over the country, gave participants the opportunity to tell about their personal stories, views and plans. In their narratives, National Unity Day is presented not only as a significant date, but also as a chance to reflect on their homeland, cultural identity and their own contribution to the future of the country. The historical banner, solemnly presented for the first time in sovereign Belarus, became a tangible symbol of the connection of generations and common history.

Photo: BELTA