On December 14, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Commemoration of the participants in the liquidation of the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It was on December 14, 1986 that the construction of the sarcophagus over the destroyed fourth power unit of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was completed. This metal and concrete dome became a temporary barrier to radiation that threatened the lives of millions of people. At the state level, this day was established in 2006 by the Decree of the President of Ukraine to honor the courage, dedication and high professionalism of liquidators.
The Chernobyl disaster was the largest man-made accident in human history. Its consequences were so significant that more than 90,000 people were involved in the liquidation: they were firefighters, station workers, law enforcement officers, soldiers, doctors, engineers, scientists and volunteers. At the cost of their own lives and health, liquidators put out fires, cleaned the territory of radioactive waste, built protective shelters and even buried contaminated soil. They worked in conditions where the level of radiation exceeded permissible norms by tens of thousands of times, often without adequate protection. Many of them received fatal doses of radiation, which led to severe illnesses and numerous deaths in the following years.
The feat of the liquidators saved not only Ukraine, but also the whole world from catastrophic consequences. Their efforts stopped the spread of radiation, but the tragedy left a deep mark in history and forever changed the attitude towards atomic energy.
The day of commemoration of the liquidators is not only an opportunity to remember and thank those who risked their lives for the sake of others, but also to remind about the need for a responsible attitude to nuclear energy.
The memory of the heroes is immortalized in memorials, works of art, documentaries and feature films. Their example is a symbol of courage, self-sacrifice and love for the native land.
This day encourages us to think about the price man-made disasters can have, and once again reminds us of the importance of remembering those who, risking everything, saved humanity from the consequences of the Chernobyl tragedy. Heroes-liquidators will forever remain in the hearts of Ukrainians as an example of incredible courage and devotion.
