Unbroken in spirit

      On April 13 and 16, specialists from the V. Mayakovsky Library held events with first-year medical college students and eighth-grade students from class 8 "B" of school No. 16. Both meetings were dedicated to one of the most tragic pages in the history of our country – the fate of Soviet prisoners of war during the Great Patriotic War, and aimed at helping young people reflect on the heroism and suffering of those who found themselves in concentration camps during the war. The patriotic discussion was timed to coincide with important commemorative dates: International Day of Liberation of Prisoners of Concentration Camps (April 11) and Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide of the Soviet People, perpetrated by the Nazis and their accomplices during the Great Patriotic War (April 19). These dates serve not only as a reminder of the horrific crimes against humanity but also as a call to preserve the memory of those who endured these trials. During the meeting, students learned about the reasons for the establishment of fascist concentration camps, the monstrous goals of the German command, which sought to destroy entire nations and break the spirit of people. Special attention was given to the incredible resilience of Soviet soldiers, who, even under inhuman suffering in captivity, not only fought for survival but also found the strength to resist. Documentary footage shown to the students served as a vivid testament to the horrors of war. The viewing of materials about the Auschwitz camp and the conditions for prisoners left an indelible impression on the young people, prompting them to think about the cost of peace and the value of human life. A particular emotional response from the eighth-graders and students was elicited by the story of the fate of Hero of the Soviet Union, Lieutenant General of Engineering Troops D. M. Karbyshev. His example of courage, unyielding will, and devotion to the Motherland, even in the face of death, became a bright symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Soviet person. The story of Karbyshev is not just a fact from the past; it is a lesson in resilience and heroism that is relevant today. At the end of the meeting, the students were presented with a thematic collection titled "Fates Broken by War..." — a selection of books and magazine publications. These materials allow for a deeper study of the fates of prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates, understanding the scale of the genocide perpetrated by the Nazis, and learning about the feats of those who went through the hell of captivity in the camps. Such meetings play an invaluable role in shaping the civic stance of youth, fostering respect for the history of their country, and preserving the memory of their ancestors' heroism. They remind us of the importance of learning lessons from the past to build a peaceful future.