Belarusians mark Heros' Day
Belarusians around the world on November 27 celebrate the Heros Day. On this day in 1920, the Slutsk Brigade of the Belarusian People's Republic clashed in a battle with the Red Army. Historian Nina Stuzhynskaya believes that the fight of the Slutsk brigae has "a huge historical significance". Here is what she told the European Radio for Belarus about the mood of the Belarusians back at that time
“People realized at the time that having no statehood was the biggest danger. By the fall of 1920, the idea of national statehood grabbed the minds of the major part of Belarus's population".
The Slutsk Brigade, which comprised 10,000 soldiers and officers, was formed within several weeks. Many people joined the brigade volunarily, without force, responding to the calls to defend the home land from enemies.
Why did our compatriots who were mainly passive during the declaration of the Belarusian People's Republic in 1918, take arms in 1920? Nina Stuzhynskaya explains::
“There was the will of the people. That's why an army was gathered so fast and was able to strike the Red Army. It was the beginning of the independent Belarusian army".
The Slutsk Brigade fought the overwhelming Red Army forces till the end of 1920 and retreated unbeaten. The brigade soldiers were captured by the Polish forces.
“People realized at the time that having no statehood was the biggest danger. By the fall of 1920, the idea of national statehood grabbed the minds of the major part of Belarus's population".
The Slutsk Brigade, which comprised 10,000 soldiers and officers, was formed within several weeks. Many people joined the brigade volunarily, without force, responding to the calls to defend the home land from enemies.
Why did our compatriots who were mainly passive during the declaration of the Belarusian People's Republic in 1918, take arms in 1920? Nina Stuzhynskaya explains::
“There was the will of the people. That's why an army was gathered so fast and was able to strike the Red Army. It was the beginning of the independent Belarusian army".
The Slutsk Brigade fought the overwhelming Red Army forces till the end of 1920 and retreated unbeaten. The brigade soldiers were captured by the Polish forces.
