Eternal memory and glory to those who defended the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War: fought for the freedom of the people on the front line and forged Victory in the rear. In our column ‘Immortal Memory’, timed to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory and the Year of Defender of the Fatherland, college students of Volga Region University will tell about the exploits of their ancestors, who did everything to make sure that we had a peaceful sky above our heads.
Today the first-year student of the direction ‘Tourism and Hospitality’ Anna Shosman told about bravery and selflessness of her great-aunt Sonia Sazhina, who went to the front at the age of 18 and served as a sniper. The will to freedom and peaceful skies helped Sonia Sazhina make her way to Victory.
In 2025, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, an event that forever changed the fates of millions of people. On this day, we remember those who fought for the freedom and independence of their country and honour their courage and sacrifice. Among them was Sonya Ustinovna Sazhina, my great-aunt, whose life became a symbol of steadfastness and bravery.
Sonya Ustinovna Sazhina was born in 1923 in a small and quiet village. But in 1942 the war broke out, and her world changed forever. The eighteen-year-old girl was drafted into the army. She became a sniper, hiding her fragile body under bullets, ready to defend her country at any moment. Sonya showed great courage. Every shot for her was not only a duty, but also compensation for the suffering caused by the war. She fought side by side with her comrades, demonstrating not only mastery in martial arts but also bravery.
The hardships undermined her morale and left deep scars, both physical and emotional. Nevertheless, she endeavoured to live life to the fullest. After the war ended in 1945, Sonia returned to her home village.
Soon Sonia married her lover and gave birth to a son. She persevered in supporting him, hoping to pass on all her hopes of happiness and peace. However, her health deteriorated after the war. Sonia died in 1964, leaving behind her courage and bravery and the memories of the people who knew her. Her son grew up learning about his mother's bravery, and a desire for freedom was awakened in him - something Sonia had fought for for a long time.
