На русском языке:
«Я восхищаюсь духом беларусского народа и надеюсь, что однажды справедливость восторжествует». Британец каждый год вывешивает беларусский флаг на День Воли
There is a house in the southwest of Great Britain whose owner flies flags of different countries or organizations that have a holiday on that day almost daily. It could be Independence Day in Bangladesh, the anniversary of Arengo in San Marino, Soldier’s Day in Mongolia, or Freedom Day.
The Belarusian flag flown in Great Britain on Freedom Day, March 25, 2023 / The Flagpole
It’s interesting that the Belarusian flag was flown only on two holidays: Freedom Day and Constitution Day. Lukashenka’s «Independence Day,» May 9, and other dates are ignored by the owner of the house on the Cornwall Peninsula.
The person who does this activity has a Facebook page, The Flagpole, and a Twitter account where they post photos of the flags flown that day.
The editors of MotolkoHelp contacted this person to find out the details of this unusual story.
Who flies the flags?
The author of the Flagpole served in the British Army and worked in the military police, now he’s involved in a number of charities that support British veterans.
«I feel nation’s military and police should protect the people, their allies,» he says on a very relevant topic for Belarus.
How did this hobby begin?
The flag activist says that his son worked at a factory that used to have eight flagpoles. Later they closed down, and 60 flags were going to be thrown away — but his son took them home. That was more than 10 years ago.
«That year was a World Cup, and he brought them home to decorate his room. Once the World Cup finished, I thought it was a shame that they sat in a box in the garage,» the man says.
So he bought a flagpole and began to work out the national days of different countries of the world, so he could fly the flags on the appropriate day.
«I think we have all the world’s flags, many UK Counties and other specials. Some friends send me a flag to fly for family or friends birthdays and anniversaries. So that helps add to the collection.»
The Belarusian flag
The Belarusian flag flown on Constitution Day, March 15, 2023 / The Flagpole
It’s interesting that in 2021 and 2022, on Freedom Day and Constitution Day, the man flew the official state flag, specifying that the Belarusians are fighting against the regime. And in October 2020, he flew the same flag in support of Nina Bahinskaya.
«I have had the official flag of Belarus for 5 years or so I would say. I couldn’t get a red and white version initially hence flying the red and green to show support to Belarus,» he specifies.
But since 2022, only the white-red-white flag has flown on the Cornwall coast. By the way, the Russian flag has also disappeared from the «assortment»: the last time it appeared was in 2021. The reason is clear: the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. This is also the reason why the Ukrainian flag is seen in the photos every week. The man just doesn’t seem to take it off one of his flagpoles.
Apart from Russia, the Flagpole’s author ignores other repressive regimes, such as Myanmar, where the junta also oppresses its people.
«I watch the news from across the globe and saw how close Belarus was to changing your leadership. Sadly, of course, this was not to be. I admire the spirit of Belarusian people and hope one day justice will be done.»
He promised to add two more Belarusian dates to his calendar of holidays: July 27 (the day of the Declaration of State Sovereignty) and August 9.
