While much of the world knows about the devastating Chernobyl disaster of 1986, there are countless personal stories from that time that remain lesser-known. One such story is captured in a letter I recently added to my collection of Chernobyl memorabilia – a letter of gratitude sent to the wife of Aleksandr Nikolaevich, who worked in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear accident.
Such documents weren’t unusual in the Soviet Union, the government liked praising its loyal citizens and produced diplomas, commemorative pennants and pin badges for every possible occasion. This was yet another mass-printed letter template ready to fill in the recipient’s details and add a stamp. This doesn’t make it any less special for me, liquidators’ families treasure those possessions so it is an interesting and unique addition to my Chernobyl display cabinet.
The letter, dated 4th of July 1989 and addressed to Lyudmila Nikolaevna, praises Aleksandr’s work in helping eliminate the consequences of the disaster. Unfortunately, there are no details about Aleksandr’s role in the cleanup operation or his well being but I hope they lived long and in good health.
It’s a true of history that offers a human perspective on the legacy of Chernobyl. Over 500 thousand people worked during the cleanup operation, and now at least one of them is no longer a nameless number in the statistics.
GRATITUDE
Dear Lyudmila Nikolaevna,
Your husband, Aleksandr Nikolaevich, in fulfilling the responsible task of the Communist Party and the Soviet government in the aftermath of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, is impeccably carrying out his duty and patriotic responsibilities, demonstrating high political awareness and a strong sense of responsibility.
We also appreciate your contribution as his wife, supporting your husband in successfully completing this state task.
We wish you, dear Lyudmila Nikolaevna, good health, great family happiness, many long years of life, and success in your work for the benefit of our beloved Motherland.
Signed by:
Commander of the Military Unit V. Zhitkov
Deputy Commander of the Military Unit V. Nazarovsky
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