The Memorial of Glory
The Memorial of Glory was opened in May 1975 to commemorate the triumph in World War II. The memorial stands in the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen in Almaty and comprises two bas-reliefs and a central monument.
The first bas-relief, titled "Oath," illustrates a Red Army soldier guiding the horses of fallen comrades. It commemorates the Civil War of 1917-1920. Capsules containing soil from cities affected by this conflict are stored in cubes in front of the bas-relief.
At the heart of the composition stands the Feat Monument, featuring sculptures of Panfilov Guardsmen – soldiers from the 316th Infantry Division and Major General I.V. Panfilov himself. These soldiers participated in the 1941–1942 Battle of Moscow. According to historical Soviet records, they bravely sacrificed their lives on November 16, 1941, after destroying 18 German tanks and halting the enemy's advance. The twenty-eight soldiers were posthumously honored as Heroes of the Soviet Union. Inscribed on the pedestal are the words of Division Leader V. Klochkov: "Russia is great, but there is nowhere to retreat. Moscow is behind us."
The second bas-relief, titled "Trumpeters of Glory," symbolizes the triumph of life. Before it, capsules with soil from cities, where the most fierce battles took place, are displayed too. The bas-relief is accompanied by the dates 1941-1945, years of the Great Patriotic War.
The composition culminates with the Eternal Flame. On Victory Day, the Memorial of Glory becomes a focal point for the laying of flowers and a solemn procession.
How to get there?
You can reach the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen by buses #13, 16, 17, 22, 42, 63, 66, 71, 88 (Sat-Sun), 112, 117, 126, 129 or trolleybuses #1, 9, 11, and 12. For those who prefer the subway, Zhibek Zholy station is just 400 m (437 yd) away from the park.