The War Museum hosted the opening of the “For our freedom and yours” exhibition. It showcases the Belarusian national symbols, military uniforms, and awards associated with the Belarusian liberation movement. The project was created in cooperation with “Pahonia” Heraldic Council to mark the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the white-red-white flag and Pahonia coat of arms as national symbols of the Republic of Belarus.
The official opening was led by Oleh Kucheriavyi, Acting Director General of the War Museum. He emphasised that today, as five centuries ago during the Battle of Orsha, Ukrainian defenders and Belarusian volunteers are standing firm against the Muscovite onslaught. Throughout the Russian-Ukrainian war, the Museum has been frequently exhibiting artefacts belonging to Belarusian warriors. This exhibition is therefore a continuation of that tradition.
Mikita Zabuga, head of the “Pahonia” Heraldic Council, also addressed the audience. As a combat veteran, Belarusian civic activist, and philanthropist, he is deeply aware of the importance of reclaiming history, nurturing the language, and preserving the national symbols which are the foundation of a nation. He thanked the Museum team for the opportunity to display historic traditions, symbols of Belarusian statehood and struggle that bring Belarusians together to fight for Ukraine as well as for the ideas that embody the image of a free Belarus in the future.
Ales Chaychyts, National Awards Commission’s Coordinator under the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and a member of the “Pahonia” Heraldic Council, presented a new award and spoke about its honorees. That is the Klaudz Duzh-Dushewskij Medal (Flag Medal), which is designed and awarded by the Heraldic Council. In addition, Mr Chaychyts delivered a lecture titled “Born of Light and Faith,” exploring the history and contemporary significance of the Belarusian state and national symbols.
A highlight of the event was the ceremonial donation of the Belarusian awards to the Museum’s collection. It included distinctions of the Rada (council) of the Belarusian People’s Republic, the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Belarusian Liberation Army and, by all means, the Flag Medal.
“For our freedom and yours” is a story of Belarus through the language of symbols. The exhibition is a bridge between past and present, demonstrating that the struggle for freedom has no borders and that the solidarity of nations is a force capable of changing the course of history.
