An event dedicated to the anniversary of the exhibition «FOR FREEDOM» took place at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. This is the first museum exposition in Ukraine dedicated to foreign volunteers serving in the Defense Forces.
The project was implemented in partnership with The R.T. Weatherman Foundation – an American non-governmental organization that introduces innovative approaches to PTSD treatment, engages in the identification of fallen soldiers, conducts training for Ukrainian medics, and participates in the evacuation of the wounded.
The exhibition «FOR FREEDOM» is a profound expression of respect for the foreigners who left peaceful lives in their home countries to fight for Ukraine’s freedom.
Lauren Guillaume, Director of MIA/KIA Programs at the Foundation, emphasized: memory always leads to responsibility. Returning names to the fallen is not merely a legal procedure – it is the right of every family to know the truth and to honor their hero with dignity.
During the event, the story of Brandon from Pennsylvania was shared. Despite a happy and fulfilling life in his homeland, in 2023 he joined the ranks of Ukraine’s defenders and was killed in action. His path is just one of many examples of a personal choice made in favor of freedom. It is precisely such destinies that are presented in the exhibition: they remind us that volunteers are people with dreams, plans, and families who stood up to defend our country.
Irina Khoroshaieva, Manager of Search and Identification Programs, spoke about the Foundation’s work: identifying fallen warriors, cooperating with state institutions, and supporting families. These efforts formed the core content of the exhibition. The visual concept of the project was brought to life by the War Museum team led by co-curator Maryna Bohush.
“The Museum and the Foundation share a common goal – to preserve every name and every story of the defenders who are fighting for our right to exist,” noted Maryna Bohush.
Over the year, «FOR FREEDOM» has become a space of living memory. It has hosted meetings with foreign fighters, public discussions, and memorial events.
We are convinced: a state fighting for freedom is obliged to fight for the name of everyone who defends it. The Museum continues to document the stories of warriors so that none of them is lost.
We invite you to visit the «FOR FREEDOM» exhibition in the Main Building of the Museum and learn more about the contribution of foreign volunteers to our common victory.
