A dialogue platform "While we remember, we live" was held at the Military Historical Museum named after K. S. Zaslonov.

By Decree No. 117, signed on March 23, 2022, by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, the date of June 22 acquired a new meaning, becoming the Day of National Remembrance of the Victims of the Great Patriotic War and the Genocide of the Belarusian People.

This decree was a logical continuation of the Law of the Republic of Belarus, adopted on January 5, 2022, which defines the atrocities of the Nazis and their accomplices, as well as nationalist formations, as acts of genocide aimed at the systematic extermination of the Belarusian population during and after the war. In the run-up to this tragic date, a dialogue platform titled "As Long as We Remember, We Live" was held at the Military-Historical Museum named after Hero of the Soviet Union K. S. Zaslonov. The Vitebsk Transport Prosecutor Konstantin Shienok participated in the event, presenting documentary evidence of genocide that reveals the horrifying truth about crimes against the peaceful residents of Belarus. He emphasized that the case is based on data about the deaths of millions of people at the hands of the occupiers and their allies, supported by archival materials, reports from punitive forces, and witness testimonies.

To date, over 19,000 people have been interviewed, half of whom are victims, including former prisoners of concentration camps. Excavations are underway at mass burial sites. Criminal cases are being transferred to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus, and new, previously unknown facts are emerging. It was previously believed that more than 9,000 Belarusian villages were burned, but now it is known that there are 12,000. The investigation continues with the aim of preventing such crimes and restoring historical justice.

During the event, a video chronicle of the events of the war in Belarus was shown, with particular attention given to the tragic fate of the peaceful residents who became victims of the occupation regime.

The head of the department of military-patriotic work with students at the Orsha District Center for Physical Culture, Tourism, and Local History for Children and Youth Sergiy Myrza shared his work experience and emphasized the special importance of conducting events to instill respect for history and love for the Motherland in young people.

The head of the Museum of History and Culture of the city of Orsha Valeriya Moiseeva presented a presentation on monuments and memorials related to the history of the city and region, highlighting the importance of museum activities in preserving the memory of significant events and passing knowledge to future generations.

Dialogue participants discussed the necessity of active societal participation in preserving historical memory and countering manifestations of genocide.
In conclusion, the speakers of the event discussed plans for joint work, including organizing exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs.

V. YURIEVA,
head of the Military-Historical Museum
named after Hero of the Soviet Union K. S. Zaslonov.