The National University “Odesa Law Academy” unveiled the Memorial to the Fallen Student Heroes of the University. This is the largest monument in Ukraine dedicated to the students and graduates who gave their lives defending Ukraine.
Currently, approximately 160 students and 12 faculty members from the National University of Law “Odesa Law Academy” continue to serve in the Ukrainian Defense Forces. They volunteered to defend their country, despite their legal right to deferment from military service.
“Unfortunately, not all of them returned home. The memorial forever enshrines the names of the University’s students and graduates who died for freedom, independence, and the future of Ukraine. The architectural design of the memorial allows for the possibility of its expansion. At the same time, we all pray and believe that the designated spaces will forever remain empty,” said Academician Serhiy Kivalov, President of the National University of Law “Odesa Law Academy.”
The opening ceremony was attended by relatives and friends of the fallen soldiers, representatives of state and local authorities, military personnel, students, and university faculty. Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and former Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, addressed the students via video message with words of respect and gratitude. He thanked them for their heartfelt commitment to defending Ukraine and emphasized that the National University of Law “Odesa Law Academy” is home to one of the largest student communities of military personnel in Ukraine.
The memorial’s symbolism is inspired by the song “At the Poplar.” The central elements of the composition are a road and a staircase leading through the clouds, symbolizing the path to eternity. The storks represent home, memory, love, and return.
The memorial was built with funds raised by the student council and student union through charity and volunteer events. The university notes that the monument has become a symbol of gratitude to those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom and independence.
Eternal memory to the Heroes.
