From October to December 2025, the museum space transformed into a platform for live dialogue between generations. History was testified not only by exhibits—it also came alive in the stories of those who are creating it right now. The elite of our military met with young Ukrainians who will build the future of our state.
The cycle of meetings between students and Heroes of Ukraine was dedicated to three significant dates in the Ukrainian calendar: Defenders of Ukraine Day, the Day of the Air Assault Forces, and the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian defenders, honored with this highest title in our country, personally shared their combat experience and life paths, and answered guests’ questions.
The first speakers were Heroes of Ukraine Bohdan Dronov, Roman Mamavka, Serhii Poberezhets, and Andrii Herus. They shared stories about the beginning of the full-scale invasion and the decisions upon which the fates of hundreds of people depended. It was a conversation about the choices made by true leaders.
On November 7, marking the day of the “Maroon Berets,” the baton was taken up by paratroopers—people who live by the motto “Always First.” Guests had the opportunity to talk with Mykola Stryhunov and Pavlo Yazlovetskyi. The officers spoke about the specifics of service in the Air Assault Forces (AASF), brotherhood, and operations that require steely endurance.
On December 4, on the eve of the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the final chord was a meeting at the Museum’s Exhibition Center, which brought together Yevhenii Shablo, Ihor Kharchenko, Petro Herasymovych, and Andrii Herus. Representatives of various branches of the military—aviators, marines, and ground troops—once again proved that everyone on the battlefield is important, and everyone in their place brings the common victory closer.
In addition to thematic excursions and candid questions in an “open microphone” format, visitors could literally touch military realities: see the latest technological achievements, familiarize themselves in detail with the defenders’ modern equipment, and even test their skills in a technological simulator, experiencing what it is like to be a small arms operator.
These meetings united about 600 participants. These included educators, schoolchildren, and students for whom the history of Ukraine is not just paragraphs in textbooks, but, first and foremost, living heroes and the real actions of those who defend our future.
We are sincerely grateful to the Heroes for their time, openness, and willingness to share their experiences. Your words inspire, and your example is a model for the new generation of Ukrainians to follow.
