Donetsk, Aug 31 - DAN. A rally marking the third anniversary of the death of the first Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Alexander Zakharchenko took place by his bust sculpture in the Alley of Heroes in Donetsk’s Lenin Komsomol Park.

The rally that brought together some 400 people was attended by DPR leader Denis Pushilin, parliament speaker Vladimir Bidyovka, Hero of the Republic Vladimir Kononov, ministers, deputies, local authorities representatives, Zakharchenko’s parents Tamara and Vladimir and other DPR residents.

“Alexander was among the first who began to fight for the free Donbass; we remember him as a very open and unassuming person who however, craved justice,” Pushilin said. “These traits earned him the respect of DPR residents, and we will forever remember such a person. His cherished dream was to see a prosperous Donbass, he really dreamt about several things as his actions showed. He wanted to overcome the aggressor and he was striving towards Russia with all his heart.”

Finishing his work would be a token of the best memory of Alexander Zakharchenko, he added.

The rally participants observed a minute of silence to honor the memory of the first head of the Republic and then his parents addressed the rally.

«As Denis Vladimirovish (Pushilin) said, Sasha wanted Donbass to prosper. He had many ideas, many good thoughts, he began to work for Donbass but could not complete this work. I’m looking at you and I’m confident that we’ll finish it,” Vladimir Zakharchenko said.

​ “Thank you for remembering and our son and making his dreams come true. We happy and proud to have such a son,” Tamara Zakharchenko said.
Flowers were laid at Zakharchenko’s bust sculpture. Some time later, the foot of the monument was strewn with roses and carnations.

Alexander Zakharchenko is one of the leaders of the protest movement in Donbass in 2014, the first Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic. He came out against the illegitimate Kiev authorities and took part in the Donbass conflict as a DPR militia unit commander. He was wounded several times. He received the Golden Star of Hero of the Republic and other decorations. He held the rank of Major General.

On August 8, 2014 Zakharchenko was appointed Chairman of the Council of Ministers by the DPR Supreme Council. On November 2, 2014, he was elected head of the Republic winning more than 75 percent of votes. Alexander Zakharchenko was killed in an explosion in central Donetsk on August 31.*jk