The Exposition of Books by Military Servicemen and Servicewomen, Veterans
The project is implemented by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine
Curated by: Hanna Skorina
You are standing before a collection of rare books written by authors who, one day, made a life-changing decision—to stand in defense of their country. These are the works of soldiers and veterans as well as those who are no longer with us, the fallen defenders of Ukraine.
These books have become rare for various reasons, despite being published not so long ago. Forged through combat experience, they stand as living testaments to courage and resilience.
Here, you will find unique copies: pocket-sized editions, samvydav publications, and small-run prints—each one a vessel of memory. This exhibition is a tribute to what must never be erased or forgotten. It honors lives that continue on, having been etched into history through acts of dignity and courage. It speaks of named and unnamed heroes whose thoughts and emotions find voice in texts penned from trenches and dugouts, between combat missions.
Why do soldiers write? To capture the experience of the ‘here and now’. To preserve the memory of their comrades. To share what they have endured—through prose, poetry, and reflection. Sometimes, to answer the question: “What will remain after I am gone?”
We want to show you and tell you about these remarkable books. And they are only a small part of what has been written by those who serve. Nearly 400 such titles have been published so far. What we are witnessing is a unique phenomenon: among the authors are civilians who took up arms, artists, and professional soldiers. Some had never imagined they would write but found they could not stay silent.
Over time, there may come reflection and rethinking. But these books serve as personal chronicles in real time. The experiences they contain are yet to be fully understood, and still, we need to feel the connection with those defenders who continue to write. We are here, we are your home front, and we hear you, we read you. We are with you. We stand beside you. To support and read your words, and to carry them forward in memory for future generations.