On May 10, a 81-meter long state flag was carried across the main square of Gomel, from Lenin Avenue toward the regional Board of Honor. The event marked the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War and coincided with the Day of the State Flag, State Coat of Arms, and State Anthem of Belarus.
Flag Carried by Young Athletes and Coaches
The right to carry the flag was given to representatives of the youth — athletes who achieved notable results and the coaches who trained them. Among them was Yegor Demchenkov, a player for the handball club «Gomel». He stated that hearing the national anthem and seeing the flag at competitions evokes a deep sense of pride, and that the same pride drove the group as they carried the state flag through the square.
The 81-meter length of the flag corresponds to the 81 years that have passed since the end of the war. The event was part of a broader celebration of state symbols that takes place annually in Belarus on the second Sunday of May.
Context of the Celebration
The Day of State Symbols was established to honor the national flag, coat of arms, and anthem. In Gomel, the ceremony drew participants from sports clubs and educational institutions. Similar events were held across the country, with cities organizing parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and concerts. The flag carried in Gomel was one of the largest displayed during the celebrations.
Local authorities noted that the participation of young athletes underscores the connection between the country’s sporting achievements and its national identity. The flag-bearing group included winners of regional and national competitions in handball, athletics, and other disciplines.
The event concluded with the flag being positioned near the Board of Honor, where it remained on display for the rest of the day. Organizers reported that the ceremony proceeded without incident and drew several hundred spectators along the route.