But first, they were given a tour of the museum and the open-air complex. They laid flowers at the Eternal Flame, honored the memory of the dead with a minute of silence, and signed the book of honored guests.
Opening the meeting, Alexey Kushnarenko emphasized the special significance of the place for the dialogue:
"I am glad that we have the opportunity to meet in this sacred place for every Belarusian. When you are here, you understand how you are overcome with emotions associated with the realization of the price the Belarusian people paid for victory in the Great Patriotic War. As a result, today we can live in a free, independent country."
Alexey Kushnarenko congratulated the meeting participants on the approaching Great Victory Day and emphasized the importance of preserving historical memory:
"Khatyn is a place where every Belarusian feels a connection with the generation of victors. We must remember at what price our freedom was won and pass this truth on to the youth."
The head of the region spoke in detail about measures to support veterans:
"Today, there are 114 veterans of the Great Patriotic War living in the region; 587 people who suffered from the consequences of the war. This year alone, about 1.5 million rubles have been allocated for support, and more than 300 people have received additional types of assistance."
Particular attention was paid to issues of patriotic education:
" — There are many challenges both inside and outside the country. And that is why we must always be on guard for the traditional values won by our grandfathers and great-grandfathers. After all, who would have thought 30 years ago that we would have to pass bills to counter fascism?"
According to the head of the central region, today more and more new resources are appearing that call into question the values that the Belarusian people have professed since time immemorial.
— But you are here with your production and military experience to pass this truth on from generation to generation, — Alexey Kushnarenko summed up.
Chairman of Minsk regional organization of the BUVWA Pavel Kress noted in his speech:
"In each district there is a monument to internationalist soldiers and a patriotic class. The main thing is that the war does not come again. If necessary, we will stand under the banners of defense of our sovereign Belarus".
Kazimir Charapkovsky, head of the regional veterans' organization, spoke about the work being carried out:
"For the sixth year in a row, we have been choosing the best veteran farmstead. The 2024 winner was a 99-year-old veteran from Myadel district".
Alexey Kushnarenko supported the initiative to hold the cadet ball in Nesvizh Castle and promised to personally visit Slutsk Cadet School. The launch of a competition for the best agro-town as part of the Year of Improvement was also announced.
Activists and veterans literally bombarded the head of the central region with initiatives and proposals, in a good way. Most of them concerned the patriotic education of the younger generation and continuity. Alexey Kushnarenko thanked for their activity, concern and readiness to implement everything proposed, enlisting their support from the state.
At the end of the memorial meeting, a solemn ceremony of awarding the jubilee medals "80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945" took place. This high award was given to 24 participants of the event - veterans and activists of the veteran movement.
Alexey Kushnarenko personally presented the commemorative medals.
In addition, each of them received a photo from the event and a food package.
In turn, Alexey Kushnarenko received a special gift made by a child, a participant in the drawing competition “We are bequeathed to protect the world.”
Memorial Complex “Khatyn” has once again become a place where the present meets the past, reminding us of the importance of preserving historical memory and the continuity of generations.
