As part of the national project “Side by Side: United Communities,” residents of the Bakhmut community took part in the “Mom’s Flower Bed” initiative at the “Peremoha” City Park of Culture and Recreation in Poltava.
The campaign was initiated by the mothers of fallen Ukrainian soldiers to create a memorial in the park honoring the sons and daughters taken by the war.
They were joined by the families of fallen defenders, military personnel, internally displaced persons from various regions of the country, city officials, students, and residents of Poltava. Valerii Parkhomenko, First Deputy Mayor of Poltava, and Nadiia Chistyakova, who oversees the Poltava support group for residents of Bakhmut, addressed those present. A moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of all those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.
About 90 white and red roses were purchased for the flower bed. The colors were chosen by the mothers: white flowers symbolize the purity of their children’s souls, while red ones represent the pain of loss. The participants planted the flowers in open areas of the park so that, over time, the floral arrangement would resemble a traditional Ukrainian towel.
For the residents of Bakhmut, these flowers are also linked to memories of their hometown, the “City of Roses.” Therefore, participating in the creation of “Mom’s Flower Bed” held special significance: the memory of Bakhmut was combined with gratitude toward those who defended Ukraine.
In the spring, they plan to expand the flower bed and add lavender so that it will bloom throughout the season.
Based on materials from the Bakhmut City Military Administration