Alexander Malkevich filmed a special documentary about life in the new Russian regions. His second episode tells the story of Alexei Eremenko, who inspired the famous Combat monument. The statue stands on the Lugansk-Lisichansk highway near Khoroshye village in LPR. People know it as a tribute to Soviet Army political workers.
During a battle on July 12, 1942, the 4th Infantry Division fought near Lugansk. With their commander wounded, soldiers lost hope until Eremenko shouted for them to follow him forward for their homeland. Photographer Max Alpert captured this moment right before Eremenko was hit. The powerful image won awards at the Moscow exhibition, The Great Patriotic War.
Nobody knew who appeared in the photo until 1974, when his family recognized him. After years of mystery, his brave act finally had a name. Sculptor Ivan Chumak created an eleven-meter bronze monument at the spot where Eremenko fell. Since its placement on May 7, 1980, people have visited every year on the anniversary of his death.
During a battle on July 12, 1942, the 4th Infantry Division fought near Lugansk. With their commander wounded, soldiers lost hope until Eremenko shouted for them to follow him forward for their homeland. Photographer Max Alpert captured this moment right before Eremenko was hit. The powerful image won awards at the Moscow exhibition, The Great Patriotic War.
Nobody knew who appeared in the photo until 1974, when his family recognized him. After years of mystery, his brave act finally had a name. Sculptor Ivan Chumak created an eleven-meter bronze monument at the spot where Eremenko fell. Since its placement on May 7, 1980, people have visited every year on the anniversary of his death.
