The government has approved a decision on the appearance of the tombstones at the National Military Memorial Cemetery (NMMC). The resolution stipulates that the tombstones may have the shape of a Cossack cross or a rectangular tablet. This was reported by the head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, Anton Drobovych, UNN reports.
"We have good news! The appearance of the National Military Memorial Cemetery will be based on the Ukrainian military tradition, which is hundreds of years old," Drobovych said.
He noted that the government approved a decision that supports the recommendations of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, the Ministry of Veterans, the State Enterprise NMK and other experts on the design of tombstones at the National Military Memorial Cemetery. According to the resolution, such structures can be made in the form of a Cossack cross or a rectangular tablet, depending on the choice of the military or their families.
He emphasizes that this decision is very important because:
- This decision allows NVMK to continue the historical tradition of honoring fallen soldiers, which stretches from ancient Cossack cemeteries to the most significant Ukrainian military burials abroad, using symbols that reflect the cultural context of Ukraine.
- people who do not identify with Christianity or prefer not to have a cross on their graves have the alternative of choosing a rectangular tablet with a rounded top. This decision was carefully considered and discussed with representatives of various religious groups under the auspices of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience.
- Thirdly, this approach ensures inclusivity, allowing both the majority, who may choose the cross traditional for Ukrainian memorial culture, and the minority, who may choose a rectangular tablet, to be honored.
Recall
The National Military Memorial Cemetery has a capacity of 150,000 burials, including 100,000 traditional and 50,000 columbarium burials, and only certain categories of people, such as Heroes of Ukraine, combatants and those who defended Ukraine's interests, can be buried in this cemetery.