Natasha and I headed out to the Motherland.  We walked to the bus stop, paid our fair and set out for Volgograd.  We left Volzhsky, crossed over the hydro-electric damn that links the two cities, and into Volgograd.  When we arrived, and exited the bus I was confronted with an amazing site.

A gigantic statue amongst an enormous monument dedicated to those who fell during the defense of Stalingrad against the Nazi regime, as well as the victory during World War II.  It was here the Soviet Red Army broke down the German Wehrmacht and showed the world that Hitler could be stopped.  Many of the men who lost their lives in defense of the Motherland at this location are still buried on the hill, and if investigated underneath the surface, many relics as well as human remains would be found.  The same hill the memorial park is build on is the site of one of the most important battles of Stalingrad.  This hill changed hands between Germany and Russia many times.

When it came time to build a monument, Stalingrad was of the utmost importance.  The walk up the hill takes you past many pieces including Crying Mother, a statue of a mother clutching her dead son.  You enter the Hall of Valor where a hand holds an eternal flame.  The names of the soldiers who lost their lives are written on the wall as you start the way up and around the outside edge and outside above.  The centre piece is Rodina “Motherland” holding her sword in one hand to fend off enemies while her other hand reaches out in invitation to her sons and daughters to follow in the defense of Russia.  There is also an Orthodox Church build in the honor of those who lost their lives as well.

The visit was amazing with lots to see in every direction.  Grave stones are located there as well as you walk to the base of the Motherland, including the soldier which will not be named.   I couldn’t help but take lots of photos during my visit, and I also got to witness the changing of the guards in the Hall of Valor.  This site is definitely a must see.