On the 8th of May, our nation reflects on the great tragedy of the Second World War that unfolded from 1939 to 1945. It marks a clash of two totalitarian regimes, bringing widespread death, grief, and suffering to humanity—a reminder we cannot afford to overlook.
The scale of this conflict is staggering. Sixty-one countries, encompassing 80% of the world’s population, were involved, with up to 110 million soldiers engaged in hostilities. The toll in lives lost, both civilian and military, ranged from 50 to 75 million people. Ukraine alone mourned the loss of up to 10 million of its citizens, a devastating 25% of its population.
When societies relegate the memory of war to a mere annual footnote, when the younger generation fails to grasp the gravity of historical tragedies, the risk of history repeating itself becomes alarmingly real. A society that forgets the lessons of war loses the vigilance needed to prevent its recurrence.
Remembrance Day serves as a poignant reminder, not to glorify victors, but to honor all victims of war, irrespective of their allegiance. It warns against the encroachment of dictatorships, the dangers of imperial ambitions, and the insidiousness of aggression and annexation.
On this day, we must cherish peace, actively pursue it, and fiercely defend it. The adage “Nothing is forgotten, no one is forgotten” resonates profoundly, urging us to remember the sacrifices made nearly 80 years ago and to keep alive the memory of those who gave their lives for a better world.
Ukrainians deeply comprehend the horrors of war, perhaps more than anyone else nowadays. Remembrance Day on May 8th holds profound significance for every Ukrainian soul. As we seek prayers for a just peace and the restoration of justice, we acknowledge the biblical truth about the state of our world before God and reflect on the profound questions of what drives humanity to violence and how we can strive for the end of such evil.
May we find the wisdom to remember the past’s tragedies and the fortitude to confront present challenges, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are never in vain, and that peace remains our most cherished aspiration.
Author: Bornovolokov Oleg, Associate Professor of the Department of Theology, Senior Lecturer.