January 16 marked the third anniversary of the commemoration of Dmytro Tserakhto, a resident of the Sartana community, a true warrior, and Hero of Ukraine. Relatives, comrades, government officials, and community members gathered at the Heart of the East IDP Support Center in the Mariupol district and online to honor the memory of our fellow countryman. Partner communities within the national project "Side by Side: United Communities" also joined in the commemoration, not remaining indifferent to this tragic event.
Dmytro was born in the village of Sartana. However, when the enemy came to the doorstep, he voluntarily chose the path of defending his native Ukraine. He joined the ranks of the Kyiv Territorial Defense Forces, and later the Azov Special Operations Forces brigade. His last battle near Bakhmut on January 16, 2023, became a symbol of the highest self-sacrifice: he gave his life covering his comrades and defending his native land. This battle took his life, but not the memory of him.
With words of deep respect and support for the Hero's family, Yulia Pandas, deputy head of the Sartana village military administration, Artur Nasibyan, head of the regional state administration's department for veteran policy, Lilia Zolkina, head of the regional administration's department for family, youth, and mass events of national-patriotic education, and representatives of partner communities.
Teachers, friends, and all concerned members of the community, as well as students of the Sartana Lyceum and pupils of the Sartana School of Arts, addressed the defender's relatives.
The participants of the meeting recalled the tradition of the Sartana community—the ascent of the "Path of the Unconquered," which was first carried out in memory of Dmytro Tserakhto and his family.
During the event, those present honored the indomitable spirit of Dmytro and all the defenders who gave their lives for Ukraine with a minute of silence and a candle-lighting ceremony. Each flame became a symbol of our boundless gratitude for the feat that gives us a future.
We bow our heads to the Hero's family and all defenders! We remember the value of every day!
Heroes never die as long as their memory lives on!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!
Based on materials from the Sartana Village Military Administration
