The hardships of becoming a solder

Every person that has ever lived has a story to tell, no matter how big or small it may be. The most impactful ones though, are oftentimes kept a secret because of the intense emotions that they bring. Telling a story means to relieve it, as if it was happening all over again. I believe that all stories should be heard, as they can bring light upon interesting facts and new perspectives that were never told before.

After the First World War, people from all around the world tried to go back to a normal life, to forget about the horrors they had witnessed, the people they had lost. But the hope for a quiet and peaceful life was shattered soon, when the Second World War began.

For the people of the Republic of Moldova the start of the Second World War did not only mean the loss of a peaceful life but also the loss of their independence. The Republic of Moldova, which united with Romania on the 9th of April 1918 in hopes of a better life without the control of the soviets, was given to the USSR on the 27th of June 1940. The people were distraught, losing what they had fought for after only 22 years.

Men from the whole territory were forced to participate in the war, including my great-grandpa who at the time was only 20 years old. Young men were forced to endure harsh conditions, participate in battles where their lives were put at risk at all moments. Many did not survive the first hours, while others fought till the end, driven by duty and loyalty to their comrades. A soldier's strongest motivation to keep going was not the country that was forcing them to fight, but the hope of making it home safe, to see their friends and family they had left behind.

My great-grandpa was lucky enough to make it home but the years of battles had left scars, both psychological and physical. During one of the battles he lost an eye, changing his view of the world. This was not only caused by his injury but also because of the many battles he participated in. After living through the traumatic experience that war is, he was bound to change, to always be on high alert, to lose the naivety that he had when he became a soldier.

The soldiers that participated were considered heroes, saviors of the country, they were given medals and celebrated on the 9th of May every year because of their courage and strength.

My great-grandpa found strength in his wife to continue living his life, staying together till death. They built a house, had a family and together they overcame all the challenges that life is.

Sometimes I think about what it felt like for him to be torn away from his life in the village and thrown into a sea of arms and bullets at such a young age. To me my great-grandpa represents strength and resilience. During my hardest times I think of him and how he still managed to keep going, to be able to find my own strength to continue.

I would like to think of this essay as a tribute, not only to him, but to all the soldiers who participated in the war, so their sacrifices and strength can be remembered.