A Ukrainian Centenarian's Witness to War: 'I Must See What Becomes of My Country'

Anastasia Zarytska Celebrates a Century

According to Главком: Anastasia Zarytska from the Ternopil region has marked her 100th birthday. Born on March 15, 1926, she has lived her entire century in her homeland. She shared memories of her life, spoke of her work on a collective farm, and expressed her thoughts on the current situation in Ukraine, including the war. She raised two children and has three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Anastasia Zarytska lives alone. Her husband, Andrii Zarytskyi, who worked as a postman, died 20 years ago. From 1945, she worked on a collective farm, where, by her own account, the labor was grueling. She recalls, 'People were still sleeping, and we were already going to work.'

Memories of War and the Present Day

Anastasia notes that the key to a long life is hard work: 'You have to do all kinds of work: sow, plow, cut, dig, rest a little-and you will live a hundred years.'

Her recollections also cover the period of the Second World War, when her grandfather, her grandfather's sons, and a daughter-in-law were taken to Siberia, and two of her grandfather's sons were killed. She states:

“I lived through one war, and now there is a second one. But there has never been a war that lasted this many years. Today, they are not afraid of God.” - Anastasia Zarytska

Furthermore, Anastasia voiced her anguish over the war in Ukraine, saying: 'I am ready to die, but I must still see if the war will end. I want to know if that Ukraine will be, or if it will not. For the war to end, we are all for that.' It is worth noting that her granddaughter's husband has been defending the country since 2014. Her life story reflects the profound resilience of a generation that has endured immense hardship.

• Children: 2
• Grandchildren: 3
• Great-grandchildren: 7
• Great-great-grandchildren: 2

Her life experience and memories bear witness to pivotal historical events that shaped not only her family's fate but that of the entire country.

Anastasia Zarytska's centenary highlights not just a personal history but also the deep context of the collective memory of Ukrainians who have survived numerous trials over the last century. Her testimony about war and the difficult times on the collective farm reflects the struggles faced by generations. Today, amid a new war, such voices remind us of the value of peace and stability and the importance of historical experience in shaping a nation's future.

As we reflect on the resilience of individuals like Anastasia Zarytska, it's important to consider the wisdom that comes with age. Her insights into the hardships of life during wartime resonate deeply, much like those shared by another centenarian from the Ternopil region, who attributes her longevity to the joys of gardening and faith. Discover the secrets to a long life that have been passed down through generations in our article about her experiences. Explore her journey and the lessons learned.