On June 19, 2025, Faculty of Physical Culture, Sports and Health of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University opened a Pantheon of Glory in memory of students and graduates who died defending Ukraine.
The event was attended by Rector Anatolii Tsos, Dean of the Faculty Vasyl Pantik, Director of the Department of Veteran Policy Oleh Kobylinskyi, Specialist of Department of Youth Policy and Social Work of the higher education institution Andriy Lev, lecturers and students.
Rector Anatolii Tsos delivered a welcome speech: “Today, memorial steles have been installed at almost every faculty as a symbol of honour and gratitude to the fallen heroes. And even tomorrow we are going to the east to hand over drones and starlinks for the “Sotnia” and our 14th brigade. I sincerely sympathize with every family that lost a loved one. Our duty is to support the families of the fallen and work efficiently in our places for the sake of victory. We remember everyone who died for Ukraine, and we work every day for its freedom and independence.”
Oleg Kobylinskyi, Director of Department for Veterans’ Policy, emphasized the importance of a systemic policy of commemoration: “We see only a part of those thanks to whom we live under a peaceful sky. Every day we say farewell to heroes. Every conversation with relatives is painful. Therefore, the policy of commemoration should be unified: in the University, the city, the country. I would like to believe that the memorial stand will no longer be replenished. But the war continues. And we must not just erect memorials, we must talk. About each hero, his path, his choice. Heroes are among us. Someone is alive, someone has remained in our hearts. And while we speak, we remember, we hold lessons of courage, competitions, they are alive.”
The Dean of the Faculty, Vasyl Pantik, shared his personal memories and addressed everyone: “It is a pity that we gathered for such a painful reason. This is the history of the Faculty and the entire country, written in blood. Among the dead are my classmate, our friends, and students. These cups, which are now in the museum, are a symbol of our resilience and dignity.
Faculty of Physical Culture, Sports and Health has always been a centre of glory. Our graduates were among the first to defend the country. Currently, 48 of them serve in various units. Some are wounded, some have returned. Thanks to God.
Our students still support the army today: financially, through charitable events. And already on the Day of Defender of Ukraine, we are planning sports tournaments with the participation of veterans, graduates, and families of the deceased.
We have not forgotten. We remember.”
