On the southern outskirts of the urban settlement of Glusk, next to the cemetery and the Babruysk–Minsk highway, stands the Memorial Complex «Military Glory» It is not just a monument but a whole historical and artistic composition, created in 1974 to perpetuate the heroic deeds of local residents during the Great Patriotic War.
The idea of building the memorial arose among the people of the district as a tribute to the thousands of Glusk natives who perished at the front, were tortured during the occupation, or deported to Germany for forced labor. Sculptor I. Kravchenko embodied this idea in the image of a woman raising a sword crowned with a laurel branch — a symbol of victory and peace.
The memorial consists of a 20 by 24 meter square, built on an artificial mound. At its center rises a five-meter sculpture of a woman. Her silhouette is laconic yet dynamic: the raised hands with the sword create a sense of determination and inner strength.
Three stairways lead up to the mound, merging into neat paths bordered by flower lawns. Nearby stand six concrete blocks with inscriptions that tell about the history of the partisan movement, the tragic fate of civilians, and the heroism of locals who were awarded high state honors.
Behind the memorial lies the cemetery. Here rest the residents of Glusk, victims of fascism, and Soviet patriots, whose mass grave is an inseparable part of the complex.
During the war, the Glusk district suffered immense losses. According to archival data, more than 4,700 natives of the district died at the front, about 3,100 civilians were killed, and nearly 1,500 people were deported to Germany for forced labor. Entire villages — Parshakha, Belye, Mosty, and others — were burned along with their inhabitants, repeating the tragic fate of Khatyn.
At the same time, the people of the district actively resisted the enemy. Four partisan brigades and eleven detachments, numbering over 1,200 fighters, operated here. Their raids, sabotage, and demolition of enemy supply lines became an important part of the nationwide resistance.
Many locals were awarded the highest honors. Among them were twice Hero of the Soviet Union Stepan Fyodorovich Shutov, as well as Heroes of the Soviet Union Stepan Antonovich Kalinkovsky and Ulyan Alexandrovich Rybak.
In June 1944, the troops of the 1st Belorussian Front under Marshal Konstantin Rokossovsky launched Operation Bagration. On June 24, Soviet tank units broke through the enemy lines, and by June 27, Glusk was liberated after fierce battles.
Partisans actively supported the advancing Red Army units: they established river crossings over the Ptich River, mined roads, and conducted reconnaissance. The joint actions of the army and underground fighters made it possible to quickly clear the district of the enemy.
The battles for Glusk became a heroic page in its history. For bravery and resilience, many soldiers and commanders were awarded orders and medals. Commander of the 295th Rifle Regiment, Andrey Maksimovich Voloshin, received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
During the solemn opening of the memorial, a metal capsule was placed inside the monument’s niche, containing a message to future generations and a list of fallen heroes — soldiers, partisans, and civilians. This symbolic act emphasized the main purpose of the memorial: to preserve the memory of the war and pass it on to posterity.
Since then, the complex has become a place for commemorative ceremonies, veterans’ meetings, school excursions, and public rallies. It reminds us of the high price of Victory and teaches the importance of cherishing peace.
Today, the Memorial Complex «Military Glory» is not only an architectural monument but also a living symbol of gratitude and the unity of generations. It is one of more than a hundred monuments and obelisks in the Glusk district dedicated to the events of the war.
Locals and visitors alike come here to lay flowers, honor the memory of heroes, and experience the solemn and reflective atmosphere.
Visiting the memorial leaves a profound impression: standing at the foot of the sculpture, looking at the raised sword, one realizes that it is not only a sign of victory but also a reminder that peace must be protected.