Alexander Mikhailovich Metla, Director of the “Memory of Afghanistan” Charitable Foundation, would like to thank:
- Alexander Alexandrovich Metla, Executive Director of the “Memory of Afghanistan” Charitable Foundation, for his overall management of the festival: organising the reenactors’ camps and establishing the rules governing their stay; developing the sets and scenario, including the coordination of pyrotechnics, gas-powered special effects, vehicles and reenactor movements; and directing the reenactment, including briefing participants on the scenario and managing the course of the action.
- I. I. Dyatko, Head of Complex Maintenance
- I. A. Alekseeva, Head of Sales
- V. M. Viktorchik, Head of Transport, and the driver-mechanics
- S. Perevalov, the aircraft pilot
- V. S. Abramov, for managing access and ensuring safety
- Guards Lieutenant Colonel M. A. Shutko, for the pyrotechnics, and V. Kartyl, for the gas-powered special effects
- M. Volchek, for constructing the sets on the field
- S. V. Bogdanov, for providing the commentary for the reenactment
- A. Bykov and N. Zakharova, for helping to refine the scenario
- D. Zubovsky, for organising the Ready for Labour and Defence (GTO) activity areas
- field commanders A. Nikolaychuk, O. Tarasenko, D. Spichenko, S. Kulakov and P. Roshchin.
You can learn how the “Bagration” Festival was held at our complex from 25 June to 3 July by reading the comments shared by festival participants on online forums.
The participants’ views on their reception and accommodation, the organisation of their daily needs and leisure activities, and the scenario and staging of the reenactments are very important to us.
Here are some of their comments.
“We stayed in excellent tents on fragrant hay. Nearby were cosy gazebos, barbecues, firewood and water — although the water was a little farther away, that was a minor detail. I really liked the complex itself, and the exhibition was very interesting. I was impressed by the organisation of everyday life and the attitude of our hosts. The food was simple but filling.”
“The camp was excellent. I particularly liked having the tables next to the tents, which created a friendly atmosphere!”
“Tents with hay, gazebos for relaxing and vehicle parking all in one place — great job!!!”
“The organisers did not forget about entertainment either. In the evening, dances were arranged with some wonderful young women.”
Our guests also appreciated the duration of the festival, which, in the words of one participant, allowed them “to experience, as they say, the very essence — the entire atmosphere and spirit of the event”.
The participants met up with old friends and had time to make new ones.
Many praised the warmth of the team from Dnipropetrovsk and the cheerful high spirits of the participants from Odesa, especially the women, while thanking the reenactors from Minsk and Vitebsk “for their kindness and genuine sense of brotherhood”.
Festival participants were also delighted by “the sight of three flags side by side and the wonderful international atmosphere in the camp”. The team from Slovakia even wanted to extend their stay with us.
The night-time and daytime battle reenactments made the most lasting impression of all.
“I was stunned by the sheer amount and terrifying intensity of the pyrotechnics! Everything shook so much that I was genuinely left rather dazed.”
“The magnificent pyrotechnics added a special touch to the flashes of gunfire against the night sky. The gas-powered devices produced not only bright flashes, but blasts of hot air that scorched the skin, making the experience feel far more realistic than the mere cracks of gunfire.”
“Special thanks to the pyrotechnics team — they really turned up the heat!”
“The pilot’s virtuosity was mesmerising as the aircraft swept through steep turns! The sight of the aircraft diving filled me with awe, as if for a moment I had genuinely been transported back to those years!”
“I was very impressed by the way the reenactment was directed through earpieces! The director’s clear commands followed one after another without pause and were carried out just as precisely by the various units on both sides.”
“Thank you to the director — I do not know the exact job title — for placing your trust in us and for a very interesting scenario.”
“I take my hat off to the organisers: the sets were superb, and achieving such well-coordinated action between the infantry and armoured vehicles is something few have managed in my experience! The idea of using radios was extremely useful and solved many problems!”
“A tidal wave of emotion and adrenaline!”
“Thank you to all the organisers and everyone involved in the event!”
“The festival was magnificent. This was Reenactment with a capital R!”
“We thank everyone who made these days so eventful and interesting. We look forward to seeing you again next year!”
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