The War Museum hosted the event “The World of Ukrainian Heroes,” dedicated to Heroes’ Day. The event was organized jointly with Violetta Kirtoka, journalist at the online media outlet Censor.NET and Executive Secretary of the NGO People’s Hero of Ukraine.
The event moderator, researcher Iryna Kotsabiuk, raised the issue of preserving the memory of fallen defenders and the ways in which Ukrainian society today is shaping a new chronicle of the struggle for independence.
“The People’s Hero of Ukraine project was founded in 2015 to honour courage, bravery, selflessness, and heroism shown in the defence of Ukraine’s independence, and to express society’s respect and gratitude. It all began with the presentation of a silver trident, which is still made from silver donated by people. It is gratifying that a considerable number of those who receive this people’s award later go on to receive the state title of Hero of Ukraine,” said Violetta Kirtoka.
During the meeting, the book People’s Heroes of Ukraine. Stories of the Real Ones was presented. The publication consists of two volumes, each containing 45 stories that tell why each person received the award. The author gathers information piece by piece in the most dangerous places, speaking with heroes who carry out combat missions in hot spots. At times, it took several years to arrange interviews with some of the fighters. The first volume was published in 2021, and the second in 2023. Violetta is currently collecting material for the third volume.
Liubov Kostenko, Deputy Director of Bilka Publishing House, spoke about the distinctive features of the publisher’s work. Bilka focuses on honest, vivid books about contemporary Ukraine and Ukrainians, and actively supports Ukrainian authors, including servicemembers and volunteers.
An emotional part of the event was the screening of the documentary film 13UM, created on the initiative of Violetta Kirtoka together with the communications units of the 3rd Special Operations Forces Regiment and the 81st Air Assault Brigade.
Among the viewers were the parents of Roman Kosenko, commander of a Special Operations Forces group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who was killed in the battles for Izium and whose video footage formed the basis of the film. The Hero’s mother admitted that, alongside the emotions one usually feels after watching films of this kind — fear, pain, and anxiety — they also felt strength and love.
