Dear veterans, respected colleagues!

On behalf of the Presidium of the NAS of Belarus and on my own behalf, I congratulate you on the upcoming holy holiday for all Belarusian people – the Victory Day!

This year, May 9 is celebrated especially widely and on a large scale. For the 80th time, we are welcoming a peaceful spring and celebrating the heroism of our people, demonstrated during the years of military hardship, their courage, bravery, and unity in the struggle for the freedom of the Motherland. Today we must pay tribute to our fathers and grandfathers, preserve the heroic deeds of our fellow countrymen, all defenders of the Motherland in the memory of not only the present, but also future generations.

Every year, the events of the Great Patriotic War recede further into history. Although, for scientists, they do not lose their relevance. Historians and archivists supplement the events with previously unknown facts and documents, archaeologists – with finds to take a new look at many events of 1941-1945. Unfortunately, there are very few people left who witnessed one of the most terrible tragedies of the last century. For us, this is one of the chances to have time to listen to them, collect memories of the events of the Great Patriotic War, and record them in books and electronic databases for descendants. The 5th book of the project “Peoples' Chronicle of the Great Patriotic War: Let’s Remember Everyone!”, initiated by the NAS of Belarus, will become such a monument to their feat.

Although unfortunately, not everyone remembers. Today, attempts to whitewash war criminals and their accomplices and rewrite the history of World War II cause particular concern. In these troubled times, our historical memory of the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War should be the foundation that will become the basis of our pride. The basis that enables us to unite all generations of Belarusian citizens. That is why it is so important to convey the historical truth to today's youth. After all, the Great Victory 80 years ago was forged in many ways by the hands of young men and women, Komsomol members, whose military and labor feat brought May 1945 closer every day.

The Great Victory Day is the most striking example of the unity of our compatriots. It is a symbol of unbending will, fortitude, readiness for self-sacrifice and faith in a just cause.

The memory of our ancestors' heroism is in the hearts of Belarusians. That is why we will never stop celebrating this holiday, no matter what happens!

A deep bow to you, dear veterans!
Good health, long life and warmth of soul to you!
I sincerely wish everyone well-being and success!
Happy Victory Day!

Vladimir GUSAKOV,
Chairman of the Presidium of the NAS of Belarus, Academician