Updated at 17:53,27-03-2024

Belarus, U.S., Lithuania And Poland Pay Respects To Kosciuszko As Common Hero

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Belarus, U.S., Lithuania And Poland Pay Respects To Kosciuszko As Common Hero
Credits: U.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus
The heads of the foreign affairs agencies of Belarus, Lithuania, Poland and the U.S. published a video on the occasion of the 274th anniversary of the birth of Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The man who is a common hero and an outstanding historical figure in these and many other countries.

According to the Belarusian minister of foreign affairs, there are different views on Tadeusz Kosciuszko’s activity, and still, despite the ambiguity of assessments, no one can question the significance of his impact on people and the course of historical events.

“Tadeusz Kosciuszko is known all around the world. Many geographical sites are named after him. Among them are Mount Kosciuszko, the highest in Australia, Kosciuszko island in Alaska, Kosciuszko county in Indiana, Kosciuszko city in central Mississippi, as well as numerous squares, streets and parks all around the world,” said Vladimir Makei.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius noted that one must remember not only Kosciuszko himself, but also the values he fought for.

“We remember not only the 1794 Uprising of the Lithuanian and Polish states against the Russian rule. (…) We remember not just historical events, facts and heroes, but also the values that we cherish. Today, we commemorate not only Tadeusz Kosciuszko, but also celebrate what unites us, what connects us. We ought to realize that our core values should never be taken for granted,” he said.



Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Chaputović said that Poland is well aware and share the position and aspirations of Belarus to strengthen and develop its sovereign and independent statehood.

The footage also contains a speech by the U.S Secretary of State Michael Pompeo where he says that Belarusians, Poles and Americans can be proud of Kosciuszko’s contribution to freedom. The official also expressed hope that more Americans will learn about their ties with Belarus and this region.

Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. in Belarus Jennifer Moore along with other diplomats, locals and foreign guests also paid her respects to the common hero of many nations. She laid flowers and presented the Kosciuszko Museum with a picture of the bridge in New York, which bears his name.

Speaking at the ceremony, the diplomat noted that the image symbolizes the fate and legacy of Kosciuszko as “a bridge that connects different cultures, states and languages.”