Garden of Memory planted in Odesa in honor of 11 children killed by Russia

On the Day of Remembrance of Children Who Died as a Result of Russia's Armed Aggression, a symbolic Garden of Remembrance of 11 paradise apple trees was planted in Odesa. Each tree was dedicated to little Odessans whose lives were cut short by the aggressor country.

This was reported by the press service of the Odesa City Council.

On June 4, a memorial event dedicated to children who died as a result of Russian aggression was held in Efrusi Park in Odesa. Representatives of the city authorities, veterans, schoolchildren, and families of the fallen defenders planted 11 paradise apple trees - one in memory of each child whose life was taken by the war.

PHOTO: Odesa City Council

The location for the garden was chosen near the house on Prokhorovska Street, which was destroyed by an enemy drone attack. It is here that trees have become a symbol of memory, grief, and invincibility.

Apple trees were chosen as the personification of childhood, purity and unfulfilled dreams. In the spring, their blossoms will remind us of the lives that were cut short prematurely, and their fruits will remind us of the future that never came. The students placed bells on each tree as part of the Children's Voices initiative, so that their ringing would symbolize the voices of children who were forever silenced by the war.

PHOTO: Odesa City Council

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, 11 little Odessans have been killed. Among them are three-month-old Kira Glodan, who became the first child from Odesa to be killed by a Russian missile, as well as Svyatoslav Yalyshev, Denys Melnyk, Tymofiy Haidarzhy, Mark Pogozhyn, Yelyzaveta Kravets, Serhiy and Zlata Polishchuk, Zlata Rostochyl, Yuliana Babiy, and Anna Sapun.

The newly created "Garden of Memory" is to become a place where the families of the deceased children and all Odessans can honor their memory and remember the price Ukraine pays for its freedom.

Also in June, in Odesa, FCChornomorets and the Tribune of Heroes Foundation held a special match in honor of the club's fans who died defending Ukraine.

Анна Бальчінос