Commemorating World War II: A Personal Reflection
On May 8, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov posted a vintage family photo and shared his thoughts on World War II alongside reflections on Ukraine's current crisis. The image shows Terekhov seated between his parents, Oleksandr and Viktoriia Terekhov. His father survived the Second World War, a fact that deeply shaped the mayor's remarks on this day of remembrance. This date holds particular significance in Ukraine, as it marks both a historical milestone and a moment to draw parallels with the ongoing war.
Ukraine observes May 8 as the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II, a holiday established in 2023. Its official symbol is the red poppy, serving to honor those who perished in the conflict.
In this photo, I’m just a little kid. Beside me and my mom stands my father—a man who lived through war. When I was young, I thought people like him could do anything. That they were afraid of nothing. Only later did I understand: they were scared too. They just never spoke about it. Because after everything they endured, their greatest wish was that their children would never have to see war.
Ihor Terekhov
Expanding on his reflections, Terekhov noted that his parents dreamed of a peaceful existence:
- Of cities without air-raid sirens.
- Of children waking up not to explosions but to calm mornings.
Yet, as he put it, 'history turned out to be cruel,' and Ukraine now endures hardships reminiscent of those faced by earlier generations. He highlighted how Ukrainians today grapple with fear for loved ones, loss, destroyed homes, and nights spent under bombardment.
Perhaps the key is to endure. Not to let evil break us. To protect one another.
Ihor Terekhov
Terekhov also speculated on what his father would say if he saw the current situation. He stressed that Ukrainians today have a profound understanding of those who survived World War II, as they now know the true cost of peace, silence, and ordinary life without war. 'We remember everyone who fought against Nazism. And we will be worthy of those who defend Ukraine today,' the mayor concluded.
Terekhov’s remarks weave together a personal family story with Ukraine’s collective memory of war and its aftermath. Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, his words about peace and unity carry extra weight, underscoring the shared experiences that connect generations. The observance of the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism thus becomes not only a tribute to the past but also a call for peace in the present.
As the significance of May 8 grows in Ukraine, it marks not only a day of remembrance but also a moment to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by the nation. To understand the historical context of this date and its recent recognition as a holiday, you can read more about how Ukraine officially commemorates this pivotal moment in its history and honors those affected by past and present conflicts. For further details, visit Ukraine's observance of the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism.