Homeland

The monument "Luigi and Mokrina" – is one of the most moving and romantic monuments in my hometown of Kiev. The monument is located in Mariinsky Park near the Bridge of Lovers. It is dedicated to the real love story of Luigi and Mokrina. The love story started back in 1943, when Italian POW soldier Luigi Peduto and Ukrainian Mokrina Yurzuk first met in an Austrian POW camp. They were together for two years and then went back to their native countries.

They married other people and had children. They were separated for 60 years, but their affection for each other did not die. In 2004, the two lovers finally met again on a famous TV broadcast. They were able to re-embrace each other after so many years. The touching embrace is forever imprinted by sculptors Grigory Kostyukov and Alexander Morgatsky. The monument "Luigi and Mokrin" was solemnly opened on May 7, 2013.

Luigi and Mokrina did not leave soon after their amazing meeting. Luigi offered Mokrina his hand and heart. Unfortunately, a tragedy interfered with their plans at this time. It was death. But, immortalized in bronze, they will be together forever. I thought about this every time I walked through Mariinsky Park in Kiev. Even though Canada is now my new home, I often think about how wars and tragedies affect so many people that have lost touch with their true love or are simply looking for the love of their life. That is why people continue to be drawn to this amazing monument. Hopefully, they will be lucky.