The March of the Immortals
- Maria A. Kithcart
- May 2
- 3 min read
The Immortal Regiment movement, which began in 2012 in the Siberian city of Tomsk, invited citizens to honor their relatives who contributed to the war effort, whether as soldiers, partisans, or home-front workers. Thousands participated, and the idea quickly gained national prominence. The annual event is intergenerational and provides an opportunity for grandparents, children, and grandchildren to share the stories of heroism, patriotism, and courage.
As a researcher, I enjoy exploring how communities worldwide commemorate pivotal historical events, particularly the Great Patriotic War. When I asked some of my friends to share their reflections about the meaning of the Immortal Regiment, here are the responses I received:
The Immortal Regiment is an action in memory of the fallen and deceased soldiers, reminding the entire population of the Earth what the Great Patriotic War was, a terrible and bloody war, how much grief it brought. The action is a reminder of the disaster that fascism brought, and what must be done so that this does not happen again…
For me, this is the memory of those who gave their lives for our freedom, for peace, for truth. The memory of our deeds, fighting against Nazism.
For several years I have been looking closely at the faces of people walking in a column, proudly carrying portraits of their fallen heroes. Every family has its own hero – the closest and dearest! Tears of sorrow, pain for the lives cut short and joy for the preserved feelings of pride in the feat of the Soviet people overwhelm me when I see ‘Immortal Regiment…’
Our dead will not leave us in trouble! Our fallen are like sentries! As long as we remember they live and their feats live! Let us not lose our connection with them! Let us whisper quietly: "I know you are with me!" Let us feel them and embrace them with our souls!
Now in the ranks are not only grandfathers and grandmothers! Now there are sons, daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters! To be a warrior is to live forever!
As the granddaughter of an American World War II hero—Private First Class George Tate Lineberry, whose photo is shown below—honoring the memory of our ancestors and their sacrifices is not just a responsibility; it is a profound privilege. Their courage, resilience, and commitment to something greater than themselves shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.
This personal connection to history is one of the reasons Marshal Chuikov’s story resonates so deeply with me. His unwavering dedication to his family, community, and country, as demonstrated through a lifetime of selfless service, reflects the same values I see in my grandfather’s legacy.
Although I never had the chance to meet my grandfather—he passed away a decade before I was born—I’ve come to know him through stories, photographs, and the lasting impact he left on our family. Over the years, I’ve also connected with friends across the globe who have experienced similar losses. Despite our different backgrounds and locations, we share a common thread: a deep sense of pride in our ancestors’ bravery and perseverance in the face of unimaginable adversity. These connections remind us that remembrance can transcend borders and time, uniting us in collective gratitude and admiration for the heroes who came before us.
