On Holodomor Remembrance Day, an event was held at the site of the future memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Holodomor genocide of the 20th century to commemorate one of the most tragic events in Ukrainian history. The people of Poltava came to honour the millions of Ukrainians whose lives were cut short by artificial famine and to testify to the importance of preserving historical truth.
Yevheniia Shcherbyna, director of the Poltava Battlefield State Historical and Cultural Reserve, told those present about the daily hardships Ukrainian families endured in the 1930s. She emphasised how difficult it was to obtain any food and how often people had to look for substitutes to stay alive. Her story highlighted the strength of spirit and endurance of our people.
Participants in the event lit lamps — symbolic lights representing memory and silent prayer for the dead. Everyone also had the opportunity to taste dishes similar to those that saved lives during the famine: drinks made from dried fruit and berry twigs, and simple corn cakes. This part of the event vividly demonstrated the conditions in which Ukrainian families were forced to live and survive.
Many attendees shared their families' stories of tragedy, loss, and miraculous survival. Such testimonies form an important layer of collective memory that is passed on to future generations.
The event in Panas Myrny Square served as a sincere reminder of the value of human life and the need to preserve our historical heritage. Remembering the Holodomor is everyone's responsibility.
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