Memory of war is a great privilege and a solemn duty. Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, made the foregoing statement in his article "Bitter Wormwood of June 22" published in the Holos Ukrainy newspaper on Wednesday.
The article provided an in-depth analysis of the causes and preconditions of the World War II, development of military operations, capacity and efficiency of realization of mobilizing potential of the USSR, influence of the war and occupation on Ukraine.
The Head of the Parliament admits that although 70 years have passed since the fateful day of June 22, 1941, the causes, preconditions, development and consequences of war are still being discussed in the academic community and by the general public. "Hardly any other event is full of such controversial and ambiguous meanings and symbols. That it was the start of bitter hardships for our nation is the only fact which is generally acknowledged," V.Lytvyn stated.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine believes that the debates around the very name of this most large-scale military conflict in the history of civilization demonstrate its controversial perception in the modern Ukrainian society. V.Lytvyn supposes that this terminological conflict "is a product of political technologies in the domain of collective memory, and, as usual, reflects neither actual events of the past nor the individual memories and perceptions of those times."
"No wonder that it might be essential to return to the facts of that period to eliminate any colouring, biases or even deliberate fraud, preventing speculations and manipulation of mass conscience. Anyway, such recollections are useful, as it is necessary to remember and understand the past," the Head of the Parliament stressed.
V.Lytvyn believes that the topic of war is inexhaustible. "It is an undeniable fact that it is the society and the state that won the war. However, it might be useful to consider the thoughts, acts and feelings of the general public and the authorities. The character of this interaction (and sometimes confrontation) demonstrates the complex nature of military life. All in all, there were common challenges and trials which demanded consolidation of the people and the state," he stated.
V.Lytvyn stressed that all aspects of war should be analyzed as a whole. "Interconnection of certain elements can not be studied separately. These elements include the efforts aimed at fighting the enemy and overcoming far-reaching consequences of the devastating military and ideological confrontation," he declared. "It might guide us towards settlement of the pressing political and socio-economic problems in the present-day Ukraine."
The Head of the Parliament warned, "One can not write, talk and think about the events of 1941 with schadenfraude." "It means ignorance, callousness, death of affinity with the previous generations, neglect of their memory, expectations and values. It is a blind corner not only for individuals and citizens, but also for the whole society," V.Lytvyn stressed.
"It is a great privilege and a solemn duty to know and to remember about this tragic and heroic chapter of history," the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine declared. "Historical events can be celebrated under the legally established procedure. However, there are unwritten laws of honour, dignity, forgiveness, and solidarity, the lack of which turns the tradition into a dead formality, and a fresh emotional outburst into insincere forced attributes. Everyone should choose their own way and standpoint."