25 May, Polotsk /Vladimir Matveev - BELTA/. Reverence for the glorious pages of the nation's chronicle is the foundation of patriotism and civic spirit of the people. This was stated today by the Head of State, Alexander Lukashenko, speaking during a concert dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of Polotsk, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. "This date is significant not only for the people of Polotsk. It evokes a deep sense of national pride in the heart of every Belarusian. Reverence for the glorious pages of the nation's chronicle is the foundation of patriotism and civic spirit of the people. Just as roots nourish and give stability to a tree, so does the historical past, respect for the deeds of ancestors, elevate and ennoble a person, form and strengthen a nation," Alexander Lukashenko is convinced. The President emphasized that Belarusian statehood originates from the land of Polotsk. The city played an outstanding role in history as the spiritual cradle of the people. "It is from here that the light of Orthodox faith, literacy, and art spread throughout the Belarusian land," said the Head of State. At the same time, he noted that the city has not stagnated in its development, has not turned into a museum city, but is striving for the future.-0-

BELTA