The Ola memorial complex has become a symbol of immense sorrow of the Belarusian people, a center of patriotic attraction, Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko said at an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the tragedy in the village of Ola on 14 January, BelTA has learned.

The village of Ola in Svetlogorsk District can't be found on the most detailed modern maps, the governor said. "Burned to the ground together with its inhabitants by the Nazis 80 years ago, Ola will remain forever a place of mourning for the victims," Ivan Krupko said.

He cited the figures: of the nearly 2,000 people who were burned alive, the names of 299 have been identified. Work on archival documents is still ongoing.

"In memory of the innocent victims of fascist atrocities, grieving Belarusians have built a memorial complex of concrete and granite, which has become a symbol of terrible ordeals and immense sorrow of the Belarusian people, a center of patriotic attraction," the governor said.

In less than four years since its opening, more than 35,000 people have visited the memorial. "With flowers, lamps, toys and sweets. We come here again and again. With families, in groups and alone. Without holding back tears, thinking of the inhumane suffering that this land had to endure," Ivan Krupko said.

"In memory of the heroism and fearlessness of our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers, in the name of those who gave their lives for a peaceful sky above our heads, we will preserve and instruct our grandchildren: to cherish our dear Belarus, to protect its integrity, to continue building a powerful and prosperous state. Stand firm in the defense of national interests. Let the fire burn in the hearts of the living. Eternal memory to the dead," Ivan Krupko said.

Life in Ola came to an eternal halt on 14 January 1944. Early in the morning a German punitive detachment surrounded the village. The occupiers made hell on earth for the villagers, including the youngest ones. Ola was burnt to the ground together with its people. Old people and children were thrown into the fire alive, and those who escaped the flames were killed. Only a few survived. In the village of Ola, 1,758 people died, including 950 children.

BelTA – News from Belarus