The Flame of Memory and Glory in Poklonnaya Gora
In late April 2010, a solemn ceremony took place in Moscow, in Pobediteley Square. Located between the Victory Museum building and the majestic Victory Monument on Poklonnaya Gora, a new Eternal Flame was lit. The flame came from the fire at the grave of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden, one of the most important memorials dedicated to the memory of World War II. The Eternal Flame on Poklonnaya Gora continues the tradition of honoring fallen heroes that began in the USSR. The first Eternal Flame in Moscow was lit in 1961, at the Preobrazhenskoe Cemetery, and its flame was brought from the Field of Mars in St. Petersburg. The second Eternal Flame in the capital was lit in 1967, at the Kremlin Wall in the Alexander Garden. It was dedicated to an unknown soldier whose ashes were moved from a mass grave near the 40th kilometre of the Leningrad Highway in 1966. The history of the Eternal Flame begins in the Tula region, where on May 9th, 1957, the first memorial flame in the country was lit in the village of Pervomaisky. This event symbolized deep mourning and respect for the fallen heroes of the Great Patriotic War. Later, on November 6th of the same year, another Eternal Flame was lit at the Field of Mars in Leningrad, making it one of the most prominent memorials of its time. Today, Eternal Flames are not just part of memorial complexes; they are a symbol that unites generations, burning in hundreds of cities across Russia, reminding us of the exploits of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers who fought to defend the freedom and independence of our country during the difficult times of World War II. This symbol preserves the spirit of that era, when unity and courage allowed us to overcome Nazism. People from Moscow and visitors to the capital often gather on Poklonnaya Gora near the Eternal Flame on significant historical occasions. People come here to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the future, bringing flowers and wreaths to lay at the Eternal Flame. On special occasions, cadets from Moscow military schools and students from cadet corps, as well as members of children’s and youth patriotic organizations, stand in honour guard here. Their presence reminds us that the memory of these heroes lives on in the hearts of future generations. The Eternal Flame on Poklonnaya Gora is an integral part of Moscow’s memorial landscape. It is not only a place of sorrow but also a source of pride for those who overcame incredible challenges to win the right to a peaceful future. The flame, as a living symbol of memory, connects past, present, and future, inspiring us to preserve and share the truth about the great achievements of the Soviet people.
Address: Moscow, Victory Park
