A memorial for the participants of the Special Military Operation has been opened in Kirov.

      On Friday, September 4, a memorial complex "Alley of Glory" was opened by the ODN in Kirov. Not long ago, there was a familiar green alley with benches and trees. Now the space resembles a stone square more: instead of the former walking area, there are paving stones, flower beds, young trees, and a large monument to the participants of the special military operation (SMO).

      Tens of Kirov residents attended the opening. Among them were children, schoolchildren, pensioners, representatives of public organizations, military personnel, and relatives of the participants of the special military operation. Many held red carnations in their hands. Representatives of children's and youth organizations lined up near the monument. Official figures and journalists were located in the center of the square. The rest observed the ceremony from the perimeter—some came specifically, while others stopped as they passed by.

      The ceremony began with the anthem of Russia. Then the floor was given to the governor of the Kirov region, Alexander Sokolov. He reminded that this place was chosen for a reason. From here, during the partial mobilization, residents of the region were sent, who later became part of the Kirov regiment. According to the governor, the appearance of the monument was also discussed with the relatives of the military personnel. In the end, it was decided to depict not a fighting soldier, but a victorious one who has already returned from battle: the warrior lowered his automatic weapon, took off his helmet, and stands with a sense of duty fulfilled.

      Sokolov specifically addressed the youth present at the opening. "If there is youth here, then the spirit of warriors, the spirit of victors will live on for years," the governor stated.

      After the speeches by representatives of the clergy, the monument was consecrated. Then came the quietest part of the ceremony—a minute of silence was announced in memory of the fallen.

      Eternal Flame and Poem of Mothers

      The next element of the ceremony was the lighting of the Eternal Flame. The organizers called it a symbol of remembrance for those who died defending the country.

      The right to bring in the memorial flame was given to a young army member, the son of an active participant in the SMO. His father, as noted during the ceremony, was awarded medals for saving the perishing, for courage, and military valor. The lighting of the Eternal Flame was entrusted to a participant of the SMO, a representative of the Committee of Families of Warriors of the Fatherland, and a colonel, a veteran of combat operations.

      After that, a poem written by mothers who lost their sons was recited. The ceremony concluded with the carrying out of state flags and an invitation for the residents of Kirov to lay flowers at the monument.