A memorial plaque for Captain Vladimir Kirillov was unveiled in Nizhny Novgorod.

      On May 7, 2026, at 17:10, a memorial plaque was unveiled in Nizhny Novgorod honoring the outstanding Volga captain, front-line soldier, and Hero of Socialist Labor Vladimir Andreyevich Kirillov. The commemorative sign is installed next to the monument "Workers of the Volga," reported the chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod Duma, Yevgeny Chintsov, on his MAX channel.

      "It is a great honor for me to be part of this event. Vladimir Andreyevich is a man of remarkable destiny. At 17, he participated in the Battle of Stalingrad, was wounded, and served on the Red Banner submarine S-57. His entire post-war life was connected with the Volga and the river fleet," Chintsov wrote.

      At 31, Kirillov became the youngest captain, worked with new technology, and paid a lot of attention to how the crew's work and passenger service were organized. He led the diesel-electric ship "Lenin" for twenty years—the flagship of the Volga United River Shipping Company. He was recognized as the best captain in the country fourteen times.

      According to the chairman of the City Duma, such people become legends even during their lifetime. He noted the importance of preserving their memory—in families, professional collectives, in the history of the city and the river fleet.

      "It is symbolic that the memorial plaque appeared right at the 'river gates' of our city, a place associated with the Volga, the profession of a river worker, and the history of Nizhny Novgorod. There are always many people here, which means that the image of Vladimir Andreyevich will be seen, and his name will always be remembered. I thank the team of the Volga State University of Water Transport, where the idea of perpetuation was born, the relatives and colleagues of Vladimir Andreyevich, as well as the Volga Shipping Company for their support," he emphasized.

      The speaker expressed confidence that the life path and character of Vladimir Andreyevich Kirillov will serve as an example for young river workers, students, and cadets—all those who plan to connect their fate with the Volga, the fleet, and serving the Motherland.

      Earlier, it was reported that the memory of the honored teacher Natalia Kasatkina will be perpetuated in Nizhny Novgorod. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information.

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