Oleg Valenchuk: Gardens of Memory are our sacred duty to the heroes

      The Kirov Region, a region with a rich history and strong patriotic traditions, pioneered a unique project that later received national recognition. The idea of planting apple trees in memory of fellow countrymen who died during the Great Patriotic War originated in 2015 among students of an ordinary rural school in the village of Selezenikha. On the eve of the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory, she was supported by State Duma deputy, Chairman of the Russian Horticultural Union Oleg Valenchuk. And soon the action "Gardens of Memory" found a response in the hearts of people, marking the beginning of a large-scale all-Russian movement.

      Over the past years, more than 22,000 trees have been planted in the Kirov Region alone as part of the Memorial Gardens. Each tree is a memory of a hero whose name is forever inscribed in the history of the country. The project unites different generations – schoolchildren, adults, and veterans, creating a strong connection between the past and the present.

      The other day, Memorial Gardens were laid at the village school. The swan lake.

      – The Gardens of Memory are a connection with our ancestors, grandfathers, great–grandfathers who defended our Homeland. This is the memory of those who gave their lives so that we could live in a peaceful, free country," said Vladimir Redkin, the school's director.

      It is noteworthy that this year residents of many high-rise buildings in the city of Kirov joined the movement. Teaming up with their neighbors, they go out to land with their families, reminding the children of the feat that our people accomplished during the Great Patriotic War.

      On May 11, residents of 31 Grazhdanskaya Street were among the first to lay a Memorial Garden this year.

      – Sincere thanks to the Union of Gardeners and Oleg Valenchuk for the seedlings provided as part of the "Garden of Memory" campaign, – says Yana Khlebnikova, head of the Central Agricultural Institute No. 1 in the Leninsky district. – Thanks to this support, residents of the Lyangasovo microdistrict were able to take an active part in planting trees in memory of the heroes. Our contribution helps to preserve history and foster respect for the feat of grandfathers and great-grandfathers among the younger generation.

      This spring alone, more than 2.5 thousand trees will be planted on Vyatka land.

      –The Gardens of Memory are a movement that has no time limits,– Oleg Valenchuk emphasized. – The memory of the feat of our ancestors will live forever, passed down from generation to generation. Every tree planted is a symbol of rebirth, a vivid reminder of the price of freedom and independence, of the courage, perseverance and self–sacrifice of our people. And, of course, today it is more important than ever that we are all united, which means we are ready to give a stern rebuff to any enemy who dares to take a swing at our sacred values.