Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today we celebrate the Day of Belarusian Military Glory – a day when our people achieved one of the most glorious victories in our history. In 1514, during the Battle of Orsha, our ancestors managed to halt the same expansionist ambitions of the Russian state that the modern world is now fighting against.
The Battle of Orsha serves as an important reminder that even when the odds are unequal, spirit and truth are on the side of those fighting for justice. Today, just as back then, Belarus faces the threat of losing its independence. But simply leafing through the pages of our history shows that our people have always been able to stand up to the aggressor because we value our freedom and know the price we paid for it.
While it’s crucial to remember our history, we also have modern-day heroes – the brave men and women fighting on the frontlines in Ukraine for both its freedom and Belarus’ independence. They are continuing the work of those who defended our land five centuries ago – fighting the very same aggressor our ancestors faced. The aggressor’s goals remain unchanged: to seize our land, destroy our language, culture, and our right to live as we choose. Just like 500 years ago, this aggressor kills the defenseless and burns everything to the ground.
I believe the spirit of our ancestors lives within each of us. And today, each of us can contribute to this fight – by raising our children, learning our language, and supporting the warriors in Ukraine.
Remember, as it was 500 years ago, truth and justice are on our side. And so, we will surely prevail. Long Live Belarus!”
