My Three Days with Real Members of OUN-UPA in Lviv
Lviv, a city in western Ukraine, is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. However, for me, it holds a special significance as it is the birthplace of my grandparents, who were members of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). Growing up, I heard countless stories about their bravery and sacrifices for the freedom of Ukraine. So when I had the opportunity to visit Lviv and meet some of the surviving members of OUN-UPA, I knew it would be an experience of a lifetime.
My first day in Lviv was dedicated to exploring the city and its historical landmarks. As I walked through the cobblestone streets, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and connection to this place. The city was adorned with yellow and blue flags, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, and I knew that I was in the heart of Ukrainian nationalism.
In the evening, I attended a lecture at the Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II. The topic was the role of OUN-UPA in the fight against the Soviet Union. As I listened to the speaker, a former member of OUN-UPA, I was captivated by his stories of courage and determination. He spoke about the atrocities committed by the Soviet regime and how OUN-UPA fought tirelessly for the freedom of Ukraine. Despite facing overwhelming odds, these brave men and women never gave up their fight for a free and independent Ukraine.
The next day, I had the honor of meeting some of the surviving members of OUN-UPA. I was nervous and excited at the same time. These were the real heroes, the ones who had risked their lives for the cause of Ukrainian independence. As I listened to their stories, I was in awe of their bravery and selflessness. They shared their experiences of living in the forests, fighting against the Soviet forces, and the sacrifices they had to make for their country. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of these courageous individuals.
One of the most memorable moments of my trip was when I visited the Lychakiv Cemetery, where many members of OUN-UPA are buried. It was a somber and emotional experience to see the graves of these brave men and women who gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine. I paid my respects and silently thanked them for their sacrifices.
On my last day in Lviv, I attended a commemoration ceremony for the victims of the Soviet regime. It was a solemn event, but also a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people. I was moved by the speeches given by the members of OUN-UPA, who emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by their comrades.
My three days in Lviv were an eye-opening experience. I had always heard about the bravery of OUN-UPA, but it was a completely different feeling to meet and interact with the real members of this organization. They are not the mythical figures portrayed by some, but real people who fought for the freedom of their country. They are the embodiment of Ukrainian nationalism and their legacy lives on in the hearts of all Ukrainians.
As I left Lviv, I couldn’t help but reflect on the lessons I learned from my time with the members of OUN-UPA. Their unwavering determination, courage, and sacrifice for their country are an inspiration to us all. They have shown that no matter how difficult the circumstances, it is possible to fight for what you believe in and never give up. The legacy of OUN-UPA will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a free and independent Ukraine.
In conclusion, my three days in Lviv were dedicated to learning about the real members of OUN-UPA and their contributions to the fight for Ukrainian independence. It was an experience that I will never forget, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have met these brave individuals. They have left a lasting impact on me, and I am proud to carry on their legacy of Ukrainian nationalism.
