On the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day, a ceremony honouring the fallen soldiers was held at the Tree of Remembrance in Zaporizhzhia.
More than 60 new bells “spoke” with the voices of Heroes from Zaporizhzhia and the Zaporizhzhia region.
“This Tree, this bell, is a reminder for the children, grandchildren, relatives and friends of the fallen defenders: they gave the most precious thing they had so that we may live in a free and Independent Ukraine. We must be grateful to them, honour their heroism, and pass on the memory of the Heroes to future generations of Ukrainians,” said Tetiana HORBACHOVA.
Tetiana, widow of the fallen Zaporizhstal serviceman Vitalii Horbachov, attended the memorial ceremony accompanied by her daughter, Valeriia. The family hangs a bell on the Tree of Remembrance, believing that Vitalii is still with them.
“It is incredibly difficult to accept that our father, husband, and friend is no longer by our side. It is significant that our city has such installations, traditions of remembrance, and memorials dedicated to soldiers. This helps soothe the pain of loss and preserve in the nation’s memory the stories of the struggle for Ukraine,” say Vitalii’s relatives.
For nearly three decades, the man was employed at Zaporizhstal as a machine operator in the blast furnace department. Well regarded within the team, he also served as a mentor, helping to develop a significant number of young specialists. His colleagues called him a “master with golden hands.”
Despite his stern appearance, Vitalii was a compassionate and kind-hearted person, a caring father, and a devoted husband. At home, he revealed a different side of himself – always ready to do everything possible and even the impossible for his two daughters and wife.
In March 2022, Vitalii voluntarily joined the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine.
"He went into service without hesitation. He consistently avoided being called a ‘hero,’ seeing his actions as a responsibility to safeguard his nation and loved ones. This is exactly how we remember him: brave, courageous, and unwavering. A true Hero of Ukraine,” say his wife Tetiana and daughter Valeriia.
Over the course of three years, the man went through many combat roads. He served as a rifleman, defending Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia fronts. He was a devoted comrade, a courageous warrior, and an example of indomitable spirit. The life of the defender was cut short in February of this year.
For his courage and heroism in the defence of Ukraine, he was awarded the Cross of Freedom medal by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the War Veteran medal.
Together with her mother Kateryna, three-year-old Ania also laid flowers at the Tree of Remembrance. From now on, the memory of her father, Mykola, will live on here as well. Throughout his life, Mykola often came to the Tree of Remembrance, the woman recalls. Here, he paid tribute to the memory of his comrades.
"This war has brought many losses. Unfortunately, we had to bury our friends and loved ones as well. There is also a bell on this tree bearing the name of our godfather," Kateryna adds.
Before the full-scale war, Mykola MISIURA worked at Zaporizhstal and had twice signed a contract with the military.
The last one was signed just 13 days before the full-scale invasion. At first, he defended his native Zaporizhzhia. Later – Donetsk region. The man lost his life in June of this year.
“He was a very kind and warm-hearted person. He was always smiling. I deeply want my daughter to keep the memory of her father. And that no hero who gave their life for the future of our children should be forgotten,” says Kateryna MISIURA.
It should be reminded that the memorial installation, the Tree of Remembrance, was unveiled in Metalurhiv Park in October 2024 as part of the international contemporary art festival GOGOLFEST POKROVA. On the metal branches of the tree, tubes shaped like bells have been placed in place of leaves. They produce a melodious chime and symbolize the echo of the voices of fallen heroes. The tree itself stands as a symbol of the struggle and steadfastness of Ukrainians in their pursuit of freedom.
