MINSK, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Belarus celebrated its most important national holiday on Thursday, commemorating a significant historical moment of liberation during World War II.
The Day of Independence of Belarus is the most important state holiday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday during a wreath and flower laying ceremony at the Mound of Glory memorial complex.
Independence Day is a symbol of freedom and independence, and it embodies the memory of the heroic deed of the victorious people and the eternal gratitude of their descendants, Lukashenko said.
Belarus remains a peaceful country, but it should get ready for any development of events, the Belarusian leader said.
For many Belarusians, Independence Day is both a celebration of national pride and a solemn remembrance of the immense human cost of the war.
The current Independence Day on July 3 is tied to the liberation of Minsk, the national capital, from Nazi occupation.
