Galician Division Veteran Dmytro Marusyak Reaches 101st Birthday Milestone

World War II Veteran Dmytro Marusyak Celebrates 101 Years

According to Главком: In the Ivano-Frankivsk region, Dmytro Marusyak, a former soldier of the First Ukrainian Division Galicia, recently marked his 101st birthday. The division played a key role during World War II. Born on July 2, 1925, in the village of Korshiv, Marusyak was one of five sons in his family and completed seven grades at a local rural school.

During the war, Marusyak and his brother Vasyl were forcibly taken to Germany. After returning home, he joined the Galicia Division in Kolomyia alongside a fellow villager. 'Inspired by the appearance and training of the Ukrainian division soldiers, Dmytro, while on leave at home, signed up with a neighbor for the Galicia Division in Kolomyia. Three months later, he received notification of his enlistment,' the veteran recalled.

He was initially sent to Styria, Austria, where he began with guard duty and underwent training in the Alps, serving in anti-aircraft artillery units.

Post-War Life and the Role of Women in the Struggle

After his division service, Marusyak ended up in Soviet forces in Graz. 'Later in Graz, Dmytro fell into the hands of the Soviet army but managed to conceal his affiliation with the division. He was mobilized into the Soviet military and served for two years in Romania. He escaped from the army, was arrested for it, and served his punishment in the Khabarovsk Krai of the Russian SFSR. After returning, he had to hide his past,' he added.

Today, Dmytro Marusyak lives in the village of Lisy, Kolomyia district, Ivano-Frankivsk region, and is a member of the Lviv chapter of the Brotherhood of Former Soldiers of the Ukrainian Division Galicia.

Meanwhile, in Lviv, the city's oldest resident, Olena Kyrylivna Rybalko, celebrated her 109th birthday. During World War II, she served as a medic and a liaison for the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), highlighting the crucial contributions of women during those harrowing times. The celebrations of both anniversaries serve as a reminder of history and the veterans' role in Ukraine's fight for independence.

These events underscore the enduring memory of World War II's hardships and the significance of veterans in shaping modern Ukraine. Honoring the milestones of individuals like Dmytro Marusyak and Olena Rybalko is a vital step in paying tribute to those who fought for their country's independence and freedom, while also recognizing women's roles in that struggle. Their stories remind us of the value of peace and the need to preserve historical memory for future generations.

As we celebrate the remarkable life of Dmytro Marusyak, it's also important to recognize the resilience of other centenarians in Ukraine. For instance, Lviv’s oldest resident recently reached a significant age, showcasing the enduring spirit of those who lived through challenging times. Such milestones remind us of the rich history and experiences that shape our communities.