World memory: Monument to soldiers and officers of the First World War to be open in Kaliningrad

May 30, 2014 in Kaliningrad will be open the monument to soldiers and officers of the First World War.

The monument is created on donations of Russian organizations and individuals. The author of sculptural composition is the People’s Artist of Russia, head of the Department of I. S. Glazunov Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture Salavat Scherbakov.  

Officer-nobleman, peasant and young man from the commoners – three five-meter figures at 11-meter pedestal represent a single contribution of the people to protect Russia. The façade of the pedestal has a bas-relief – nurses leaned over the wounded; near is the inscription – “Grateful Russia to the heroes of the First World War”.

About a year ago at the initiative of the Military Historical Society of Russia was announced a competition for the best design of the monument to the heroes of the First World War. The monument will be installed on Poklonnaya Hill on August 1, 2014, on the day of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of Russia's participation in military battles. The winner was a sketch of the sculptor Andrey Kovalchuk, but the projects are included in the top five, collected so positive reviews, that it was decided to install them in Russian cities, related to the events of the First World War. The first was to Kaliningrad - formerly Konigsberg - the only place in Russia, where were heavy prolonged battles of 1914-1918. In addition to the installation of the monument for the anniversary, there will be renovated three largest military burials.