At the opening ceremony, the mother of the fallen hero, Paraska Demchuk, families of other fallen servicemen, as well as representatives of government bodies, including the former President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko, were present. Yushchenko emphasized that Oleksandr Matsiyevskyi's name has become a symbol of the indomitable Ukrainian spirit.
'His last words - 'Glory to Ukraine!' - resonated like an oath, like a testament, a reminder to each of us that freedom and dignity are the most precious things. I bow my head before his mother, Mrs. Paraskoviya... Thank you, dear lady, for the son of Ukraine,' Yushchenko stated.
Oleksandr Matsiyevskyi's mother, Mrs. Paraska, thanked for the statue and recalled her son's words, who, at the beginning of the invasion, told her: 'Mom, you will still be proud of me.' Addressing her son, she said: 'Son, I am proud of you.'
The ceremony was organized to honor the memory of not only Oleksandr Matsiyevskyi but also all fallen heroes. According to Viktor Yushchenko, this is an important step in creating a 'living memory' that unites generations, inspires, and teaches.
Oleksandr Matsiyevskyi was a sniper in the 163rd battalion of the 119th separate brigade of the Territorial Defense of the Chernihiv region. He was shot after shouting 'Glory to Ukraine!', which became known worldwide after a video of his execution was shared online. It is worth noting that this event occurred on December 30, 2022.
The importance of 'living memory' was raised, which aims not only to commemorate the heroes of the past but also to inspire and unite people of the present. Thus, such ceremonies help strengthen the Ukrainian national spirit and memory of generations.