Perhaps Russia’s answer to Arlington National Cemetery is the Federal Military Memorial Cemetery. This solemn place is more than just a burial ground. It’s a testament to Russian valor and remembrance. Today we explore the history and significance of the Federal Military Memorial Cemetery.
Established on June 21 2013 the Federal Military Memorial Cemetery is a relatively new necropolis. It is located in Mytishchinsky District Moscow Oblast. This location is on Moscow’s north-eastern outskirts. The cemetery spans 55 hectares. That is about 140 acres. It is owned and operated by the Ministry of Defence.
The Federal Military Memorial Cemetery was conceived to replace the Kremlin Wall Necropolis. Burials at the Kremlin Wall Necropolis ended in 1985. The Kremlin Wall Necropolis became unsuitable for further interments. There were even plans to relocate it after the fall of the Soviet Union. The Kremlin Wall Necropolis was seen as ruining the Moscow Kremlin’s old style.
The idea for a national cemetery was first proposed in 1953. However the project never materialized at that time. It wasn’t until a presidential decree in 2001 that the Federal Military Memorial Cemetery was officially established. The decree aimed to perpetuate the memory of soldiers and citizens who died defending Russia or had special merits to the state.
Construction began in 2008. The Federal Military Memorial Cemetery is planned to serve as Russia’s main national cemetery for the next 200 years. It is predicted to house 40000 graves. The first burial occurred on June 21 2013 with the remains of an unknown Red Army soldier. He died in Smolensk Oblast during World War II. The complex was officially opened to the public the following day.
In 2014 a church was opened. It was consecrated by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in honor of St. Sergius of Radonezh. The inaugural funeral was held on December 27 2013 for Mikhail Kalashnikov. Metropolitan Juvenally of Krutitsy and Kolomna conducted the funeral.
Sergey Vitalevich Goryaev was the artistic director. He was an award-winning artist and architect. The Daily Telegraph described the cemetery as a testament to extravagance. It called it a piece of architectural monumentalism reflecting a resurgent Russia. The cemetery features obelisks golden statues and friezes. Red and grey granite and bronze richly adorn the site.
The Russian monumental architecture is divided into four zones. These are the entrance production ritual and burial area. Granite and marble were used for construction. Large steles mark the main entrance. Black cubes symbolize the Armed Forces in the Great Patriotic War. These represent ground forces navy air force and the rear of the Armed Forces.
The central alley stretches for two kilometers. It connects all architectural objects. The functional area includes pavilions. There is an underground memorial hall a ritual store a cafeteria and a public toilet. A bridge symbolizes the link between life and death. It continues with the Alley of Heroes. Twenty-four bronze figures depict soldiers from various historical epochs.
Funeral houses showcase mosaic panels. One house features symbols of Kremlin towers and a two-headed eagle. The other is decorated in a military style. The Tribulation monument stands at the end of the burial zone. It depicts a mother with her dying warrior son. A bowl of water symbolizes sadness. The Eternal Flame burns in its center.
The Federal Military Memorial Cemetery stands as a symbol of respect. It honors those who served Russia. It serves as a poignant reminder of sacrifice.