In Smolyn, memorial plaques have been unveiled on the façade of the local school in honour of fallen Defenders of Ukraine — natives and alumni of this educational institution who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of the state. From now on, the school walls will remind pupils and fellow villagers of the price at which Ukrainian freedom is being won.
The memorial event was attended by the families of the fallen soldiers, village residents, community representatives, teachers and schoolchildren. Memories of the warriors were shared, children recited poems, and patriotic songs were sung. The speeches conveyed gratitude, pride and profound sorrow for those who will never again return to their beloved school.
During the ceremony they commemorated Ivan Kornaha — a native and resident of Smolyn, a caring father of four sons. He voluntarily joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. His life was cut short on 14 June 2022 during an artillery strike. For his loved ones, Ivan Kornaha will forever remain a loving husband and father, and for his fellow villagers — a courageous Defender.
They also honoured the memory of Yurii Prus — a young man from the village of Sopit. He was kind, cheerful, hard-working and brave. In August 2024 he voluntarily joined the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade, where he served as a reconnaissance medic. On 16 January 2025 he was killed in an enemy attack, just as his life was gathering pace.
Special tribute was paid to Volodymyr Svystovych, who had worked as a teacher at Smolyn School for 17 years. Colleagues described him as a fair, responsible and kind teacher. In April 2024 he joined the 7th Carpathian Border Guard Detachment. After suffering a severe wound while carrying out a combat mission in Luhansk region, he underwent treatment and dreamt of returning home. However, on 11 December 2024 his heart stopped.
Those present bowed their heads in memory of Mykhailo Hedz, born on 10 November 1990 in the village of Rishyn. He finished Smolyn School, trained as a builder in Lviv, had ‘golden hands’, and was sociable and considerate. From childhood he helped his grandfather Fedir tend the family apiary. After the start of the full-scale invasion, without hesitation he said that he “would not hide” and joined the 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade. He was killed while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Novomykhailivka in Donetsk region. On 4 December 2023 the heart of a warrior who dreamt of building the future in Ukraine stopped beating.
After the unveiling of the memorial plaques, participants in the event laid flowers on the graves of the fallen soldiers. The organisers stressed that behind each plaque lies an individual life, childhood, school years, dreams and families who continue to preserve the memory of their Defenders. Behind every name there is the pain of an irreparable loss and boundless gratitude for their courage and dedication to Ukraine. Eternal memory and glory to the fallen Defenders of Ukraine.