"Formed by the talent and efforts of many outstanding sons and daughters of the Belarusian land, our unique culture has long become an integral part of the common heritage of all mankind," said the head of state. He noted with regret that attempts to ban or exclude it from the agenda, along with the symbols of the Motherland, millennia-old history, and everything that Belarusians are proud of, are now increasingly observed.
"Perhaps the reasons for such an attitude are that we are true to the traditions of our ancestors and spiritually differ from the West. They have long been accustomed to equating human culture with the destinies of all mankind. This has led to the forceful imposition of Western values on other nations and the destruction of the planet's cultural diversity," the President stated.
Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that despite the forces seeking to sow discord and hatred in Belarusian society, it is necessary to demonstrate accord and commonality of spiritual traditions and the historical destiny of the people.
It is symbolic that precisely on the Day of National Unity, the President announced the launch of the nationwide "Unity Marathon" campaign. "This will be a marathon of the trinity of traditions: national culture, which we carefully preserve and develop, the talents of our people, for which the Belarusian land is famous, and the beauty of the Slavic soul, which fills the surrounding world with harmony and mutual understanding," said the head of state. According to Alexander Lukashenko, this will give everyone the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of talents of the Belarusian land and touch upon the rich heritage of national culture. "May the bright colours and melodies of creativity in all corners of the country awaken love for their Motherland in the hearts of Belarusians," the President added.
"This is the key to a dignified future for our people and the sacred duty of contemporaries, upon which life in a united family of patriots and workers, whose name is Belarus, should be built," the head of state declared. "Let us together love, be friends, dream, work, and rest in a Belarusian way! Let us cherish and protect Belarus! Our ancestors bequeathed this to us, and we speak of it to our descendants. We speak of it because time has chosen us!"