Памятник подольским курсантам, War memorial in Podolsk, Russia.
The monument dedicated to the Podolsk military cadets is an 8.5-meter tall stainless steel structure that depicts three soldiers in a moment of determination. Two figures hold rifles while the third raises his left arm toward a star, creating a powerful composition at the intersection of Kirov Street, Park Street, and Archive Lane.
In October 1941, cadets from the Podolsk military school defended Moscow's southwestern borders against the German advance. Over three crucial weeks, they destroyed approximately 100 tanks and prevented enemy forces from outflanking the capital.
The memorial serves as a gathering place where visitors and locals come throughout the year to honor those who died. Newlyweds traditionally visit to lay flowers and pay respect to the young soldiers.
The memorial is located at a busy intersection and is easily reached on foot from nearby streets. Be sure to walk around the monument to see the anti-tank gun and battle relief on the reverse side, which adds important context to the story.
The memorial is crowned with an actual ZiS-2 anti-tank cannon positioned on an earthen parapet. This real weapon from the same period gives visitors a tangible connection to the actual fighting that took place during the 1941 defense.
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