Head of State Alexander Lukashenko was the first to lay a wreath at the memorial, emphasizing that for Belarusians this holiday is a symbol of peace, justice and unity.
Following him, the country's top officials, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, representatives of work collectives, youth and patriotic organizations paid tribute to his memory.
Historical background.
The Mound of Glory is a monument to the soldiers of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Belorussian and 1st Baltic Fronts who liberated Belarus during operation “Bagration”. In July 1944, fierce battles took place in these places, ending with the defeat of a 105,000-strong group of Nazi troops in Minsk Cauldron.
The memorial was laid on September 30, 1966. Its foundation was made of soil from hero cities and other places glorified by the exploits of the Soviet people. The grand opening took place on July 5, 1969.
Architectural features:
- The height of the mound is 35 meters
- Four titanium bayonets (35.6 m) symbolize the liberating fronts
- The total height of the memorial is 70.6 meters.
- Two staircases with 241 steps each lead to the observation deck
The team of authors (sculptors A. Bembel, A. Artimovich, architects O. Stakhovich, L. Mitskevich, engineer V. Laptsevich) was awarded the State Prize of the BSSR in 1970.
Why is this important?
The Mound of Glory is not just a monument, but living history. Every handful of earth in the mound is a symbol of gratitude from the hero cities and thousands of people who honored the memory of the victors.
The memorial complex "Mound of Glory" remains a symbol of courage and unity of generations, recalling the great feat of the Soviet people during the Great Patriotic War.
"As long as we remember the past, we have a future."
Photo: BELTA
