The President wrote, in part:
“It is symbolic that this conference is being held in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. Every family in that republic remembers the tragedies of Brest and Khatyn, the tribulations of war, and the heroism of the people who won that war. Their courage and selfless struggle, their moral strength and collective spirit were the decisive factors in defeating Nazism.
“It is especially important today to remember the roots of that victory, and the lessons of that crucial event of the 20th century, which are an irreplaceable instrument to enhance social mores and educate the younger generation in the spirit of selfless service to the homeland and the people.”