In Moscow, participants of the «Return of Names» event gathered at the Solovetsky Stone. The event was attended by the chairman of the international society «Memorial»* Yan Rachinsky*, as well as diplomats from Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Lithuania, and other countries.
«Memory — is a necessary condition for the existence of a normal society. Unfortunately, some do not like this. Some want people to have no memory, to consider themselves as cogs of the state. One can wish for this, but it cannot be achieved. Memory is stronger than any state efforts», — stated Yan Rachinsky
Muscovites also restored the «Last Address» plaques on Gogolevsky Boulevard, in Pevchesky and Ananyevsky lanes. The event was attended by those who simply read the names of their repressed relatives. Organizers noted that the plaques in Ananyevsky lane are being restored not for the first time — they are constantly destroyed.
Additionally, «Memorial» launched an online event «Return of Names», which involves residents of Russian cities, as well as the USA, European countries, Latin America, and Australia. A total of 120 cities in different countries participated.
* Recognized as «foreign agents» in Russia.