Oleg Valenchuk: The Gardens of Memory – a tribute to our deepest respect for the heroism of our ancestors

      Every year in May, thousands of residents of the Kirov region take to the streets of their towns and villages to participate in the all-Russian action "Gardens of Memory." Children and adults, whole families, work collectives, and classes plant young trees—apple trees and lilac bushes. This touching ritual is dedicated to those who defended the freedom of the Motherland at the cost of their lives during the Great Patriotic War.

      The history of the movement began 11 years ago right on Vyatka land. In the spring of 2015, kids from the village of Selezhenikha proposed a simple yet profound idea: let each new tree become a living monument to the fallen heroes. The initiative was then supported by State Duma deputy and chairman of the Union of Gardeners of Russia, Oleg Valenchuk. Thanks to this, "Gardens of Memory" grew from a small local initiative into the largest nationwide movement.

      Today, over 25,000 trees have already been planted in the Kirov region, and their number is increasing every day. Every year, seedlings for the action are provided free of charge by the Union of Gardeners of Russia.

      "The war touched every family, so each of us has someone to remember," notes Oleg Valenchuk. "Gardens of Memory" is not just an event for one day. It is a living connection between the past and the present, between generations. Every tree planted today is a sign of respect and gratitude to those who defended the independence of our Motherland. And the more such trees there are, the stronger the memory and unity of our people."

      This year, the action once again covered hundreds of educational institutions, organizations, and apartment buildings in the Kirov region. In Kirov, new "Gardens of Memory" appeared at apartment buildings located at: Surikova Street, 18, Builders Avenue, 50/3, Moscow Street, 118/1, Lenin Street, 191/1, as well as near children's clinic No. 6. Kirov School No. 26 and Kindergarten No. 149 joined the patriotic movement.

      In Yaran, at School No. 3, graduates and first-graders planted lilac bushes. Deputy Director Tatyana Bakshaeva reported that the school has been participating in the "Gardens of Memory" movement for 10 years. Over these years, more than 40 apple trees have appeared on the school grounds, which occupies an entire hectare.

      At the Children's Assistance Center in the city of Sosnovka in the Vyatskopolyansky district, a Garden of Memory was established in honor of those who died during the Great Patriotic War, local wars, and special military operations. Center Director Natalia Gurchenko emphasized: "This is the least we can do to immortalize the memory of our fighters who heroically fought for the Motherland."

      On May 15, trees were planted in the village of Russkoye Timkino in the Urzhumsky district and in the village of Savali in the Malmyzhsky district. Head of the Urzhum rural settlement Lyubov Platunova noted: "Gardens of Memory leave an indelible patriotic mark on Urzhum land. Huge thanks to Oleg Valenchuk and the Union of Gardeners of Russia from the Urzhum residents for this very important action for all of us."

      The "Gardens of Memory" movement continues—traditionally, the action will take place in many schools on the day of the last bell.