A Hero Remembered by the Nation’s Heart: OMI Studio Creates Monument to Marine Yaroslav Khrestiuk, Unveiled in Zhmerynka on Ukraine’s Heroes Day

On May 23, 2025 — a symbolic date that marks both Ukraine’s Heroes Day and Marine Corps Day — the city of Zhmerynka held the solemn unveiling and consecration of a monument dedicated to a true hero of our time: Junior Sergeant of the Marine Corps, Yaroslav Khrestiuk.
This monument is not merely a sculpture. It is a manifestation of courage, devotion, and love for the Motherland, crafted by the skilled hands of the artists at OMI Sculpture Studio, who poured into it not only their artistic talent but also deep respect for Yaroslav’s heroic life.

Yaroslav Khrestiuk was a squad commander in the 36th Separate Marine Brigade named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Bilynskyi. He was a full bearer of all three classes of the Order "For Courage" and the recipient of 14 state honors. He became a legend while still alive, and today his name is forever inscribed in the pantheon of Ukrainian heroes.

Yaroslav began his military path at the age of 18. He remained on the front lines until his last day, defending Mariupol, and gave his life rescuing a wounded comrade — "Hrysha" — on March 17, 2022. His body has yet to be recovered... But his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him personally, and in the hearts of all Ukrainians who followed his story. The entire nation prayed for him; he became the beloved hero of "Ptashka" — Kateryna Polishchuk.

The creation of Yaroslav Khrestiuk’s monument was a special project for OMI Studio — not just a creative task, but a mission. The sculptors worked closely with Yaroslav’s family, his comrades-in-arms, and military command to ensure that every silhouette, every curve of bronze conveyed the essence of this extraordinary soldier: resilience, determination, and a radiant inner strength.

The monument, installed at the Glory Memorial in Zhmerynka, is rendered in a realistic style. It depicts Yaroslav in full combat gear, with a steady gaze into the future, as if still standing guard over his homeland. In his hands — a weapon, a symbol of the path to peace and freedom for which he gave his life. His callsign — "Khrystos" — is engraved on the pedestal, along with words that grip the heart:

"We remember. We fight. We win."

The unveiling ceremony was attended by his fellow soldiers, military personnel, local officials, clergy, Yaroslav’s family, and dozens of local residents. The monument was consecrated, becoming not only a work of art but a place of prayer, reflection, and gratitude.

Zhmerynka now holds more than just a bronze statue — it preserves the soul of the nation, materialized in metal and stone.

OMI Studio has been working on memorial projects throughout Ukraine for many years, creating monuments that have become integral parts of the nation’s cultural and spiritual memory. But the monument to Yaroslav Khrestiuk is something unique. It is not only about war. It is about humanity, about love for the homeland, about sacrifice. It is a reminder to each of us of the true price of freedom.

If you wish to honor the memory of a hero, express gratitude, or preserve a personal story, OMI Studio is ready to be your reliable partner in creating sculptural and memorial works that will live on forever.