«People's monument» to Peter I in the Ryazan land
In 2018 a monument to Peter I was erected in the village of Dubrovichi, not far from Ryazan. It was the first monument to the founder of the Russian Empire in the Ryazan Region. Of course, it is unlikely that Peter I ever visited the village of Dubrovichi and did some great things there. However, there is a link between the first Russian emperor and the Ryazan village. It is the memory of great ancestors in the hearts of people, the golden thread that keeps the connection between generations. «We will show the monument to our children, tell them about the great man who once did a lot for Russia, » such words were heard at the opening of the monument. The monument was presented to the village by its author, Oleg Sedov. The villagers voted unanimously «for the tsar» in the square. The monument makes an indelible impression. People can’t help admiring a majestic figure with some scrolls in the hands, as a symbol of future projects. By the way, the same sculptor Oleg Sedov created the monuments to Yevpaty Kolovrat and Prince Alexander Nevsky for the Ryazan region. Thus, the Ryazan land united the Ryazan hero, the prince and the emperor. It is not surprising because they had a common cause – defending their motherland from enemies. Now Peter I protecting Russia «will threaten the Swede» from the Ryazan land. «Handsome, very handsome and necessary! » - it was the first compliment that the monument received from the residents. The village boys have already “got acquainted” with the tsar: they knocked Peter’s eye with a snowball. But the author of the monument considers it a good sign. «Everything is as it should be - they have accepted him as their own. » There is no doubt that the monument will take root! Why? It is because people love and respect Peter I, a great reformer and enlightener of the Russian people, and this love will be passed on to the descendants through centuries and millennia as long as people keep a good memory of Peter I.