Symbols of Memory: VSMU students and staff visited “Khatyn” and “Stalin's Line”

symbols memory 01On April 26, 2025, the staff and students of VSMU went on an excursion trip “Symbols of Memory” organized by the trade union organizations of the University. The trip was a deep dive into history, filled with both pride, sorrow and reflection on the price of peaceful skies.

Khatyn: echoes of the tragedy

The first stop was the Khatyn memorial complex - a place where time seemed to stop, imprinting the pain. The bells were ringing quietly, reminding of every burned village, every life lost.

In the museum a poignant exposition unfolded in front of the participants: black and white photos, personal belongings of the dead, audio recordings of eyewitnesses' memories.

Stalin's Line: the breath of war

Completely different, but no less strong impressions awaited the group at the “Stalin's Line”. Here history came to life: tanks, cannons and airplanes stood in the open air, and in the pillboxes there are still traces of battles.

Students and employees were able not only to see but also to touch the past: to go into real dugouts, to go down into casemates, to hold in their hands weapons of war times.

The Chairman of the primary trade union organization of the VSMU employees Alexander Myasoedov:

 “Historical memory is the basis of national self-awareness. Visiting places connected with the Great Patriotic War allows not only to pay tribute to heroes, but also to understand more deeply the scale of the tragedy our country went through”.

The trip left a deep trace in the hearts of the participants. It reminded that the war is not just dates and facts, but the fates of people, the pain of losses and great feats of our ancestors.

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