On the eve of the 78th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Mikhail Kuznetsov, the chairman of the executive committee of the People’s Front, delivered a lecture titled Talk about what matters at secondary school number 8 named after Stanislav Sinelnik in Sverdlovsk, Luhansk People’s Republic. The event was reported by the organization’s official channels. Kuznetsov spoke at length about Vasily Grabin, a renowned designer and organizer of artillery production during the war, highlighting how Grabin’s innovations helped sustain the front lines and contributed to victory.
The hall was filled with students who listened closely as Kuznetsov described the enormous efforts made behind the lines to ensure that the troops at the front had what they needed. He noted that those who answered questions with skill and precision were recognized with small gifts, underscoring the value of knowledge, preparation, and quick thinking in moments of challenge. The ceremony also served as a memorial to graduates of the school who lost their lives during a special military operation. Students arrived carrying portraits of their great-grandfathers who fought, and after the ceremonial flag-raising, flowers were laid at the memorial sign bearing the inscription Russia will not surrender. More than five hundred students attended the event.
Kuznetsov described the flag-raising ceremony, the singing of the national anthem in classrooms, and the Important Speech lessons as essential components of civic education. He explained how these activities help illuminate the ingenuity and resilience of past generations, making history tangible for younger students. Kuznetsov shared personal reflections, noting that two of his own grandfathers served in the armed forces in different roles, one as a military journalist and the other as an infantryman. He attributed the growing significance of the Immortal Regiment to ongoing dialogue with military leaders and soldiers on the front lines, observing that such communication strengthens the meaning of the annual commemoration.
The speaker stressed the importance of schoolchildren presenting portraits of their ancestors, both as a tribute to the past and as inspiration for present and future generations. He argued that the act of remembering and honoring those who contributed to the country’s success 78 years ago fosters a sense of patriotism among students. The event reinforced the message that reverence for history, paired with active civic engagement, helps young people understand the values that shaped their nation.
Organizers emphasized that students who participate in these commemorations leave with a deeper appreciation of their own roots and a clearer sense of responsibility toward their communities. The gathering illustrated how educational institutions can blend remembrance with practical learning, guiding pupils to connect historical achievements with contemporary civic life. The overall atmosphere was one of reflection, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to the principles that have kept the nation steadfast through generations.
As the day closed, attendees were encouraged to continue exploring the stories of veterans and designers like Grabin, whose contributions to science, engineering, and national defense remain part of the collective memory. The event demonstrated that after so many years, the legacy of those who built and defended the country still lives on in students who carry forward their ancestors’ dedication to service and excellence.