Approved back in 1939 as “the day of liberation of the working people of Western Belarus from the Polish lords,” the last time it was celebrated at the all-Union level was in 1949

On September 17, our country celebrates National Unity Day, dedicated to one of the most important events in Belarusian history – the reunification of Western Belarus and the BSSR in 1939.

Approved back in 1939 as “the day of liberation of the working people of Western Belarus from the Polish lords,” the last time it was celebrated at the all-Union level was in 1949. Considerations of political expediency came first – territorial issues should not overshadow the friendly relations between the USSR and Poland within a single socialist bloc.

The situation changed dramatically after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The hybrid aggression of Western countries towards our country, complemented by manifestations of historical revanchism of Poland with its dreams of returning the “усходнiя крэсы”, made it necessary to recreate this holiday. It was established by Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus dated June 7, 2021 No. 206.

1. Resolution of the Central Committee of the CP(b)B “On the celebration of the first anniversary of the liberation of the peoples of Western Belarus from the oppression of Polish landowners and capitalists” dated 08/31/1940. State Archive of the Vitebsk Region. F. 7045-p. Op. 1a. D 2. L. 201.

2. Resolution of the Central Committee of the CP(b)B “On the celebration of the first anniversary of the liberation of the peoples of Western Belarus from the oppression of Polish landowners and capitalists” dated 08/31/1940. State Archive of the Vitebsk Region. F. 7045-p. Op. 1a. D 2. L. 201 vol.

3. Resolution of the Central Committee of the CP(b)B on amending the resolution “On the celebration of the first anniversary of the liberation of the peoples of Western Belarus from the oppression of Polish landowners and capitalists” dated 09.09.1940. State Archive of the Vitebsk Region. F. 7045-p. Op. 1a. D 2. L. 205.