We Cried with Everyone, Why We Didn’t Know
- BELOVO, Russia (AP) — Valentina Sergeyevna Halyapina will celebrate her 90th birthday this year, marking a life intertwined with the history of the Belovskaya GRES power station, where...
- Born in 1935 in the Altai Territory, Halyapina's family relocated to the belovo railway station a year later.
- War!’ Adults cried and we children also cried, just did not know why,” Halyapina recalled.
Belovo Woman, Turning 90, Recalls War, Dedication to Power Station
Table of Contents
- Belovo Woman, Turning 90, Recalls War, Dedication to Power Station
- Belovo Woman, Turning 90, Recalls War, Dedication to Power Station
- Early Life and the Impact of War
- Q&A: Early Life and War
- What was Valentina Halyapina’s early life like?
- How did the onset of World war II affect Valentina’s family?
- What happened to Valentina’s father, Sergey Petrovich?
- What role did letters play in the family during the war?
- What became of Valentina’s father?
- Was any other children born into the family?
- Q&A: Early Life and War
- Early Life and the Impact of War
BELOVO, Russia (AP) — Valentina Sergeyevna Halyapina will celebrate her 90th birthday this year, marking a life intertwined with the history of the Belovskaya GRES power station, where she worked for over 30 years. Her memories remain vivid,encompassing both the hardships of the Great Patriotic War and the subsequent years of rebuilding.
Early Life and the Impact of War
Born in 1935 in the Altai Territory, Halyapina’s family relocated to the belovo railway station a year later. Her father sought employment to support his family, which included Valentina, her younger brother, and older sister. The family received housing and the father secured a job, but the onset of war disrupted thier plans.
“I still remember how in 1941 someone ran to us: ‘war! War!’ Adults cried and we children also cried, just did not know why,” Halyapina recalled.
In 1942, her father, Sergey Petrovich, was drafted.
All relatives went to see dad. And we, the smallest children, have not taken me and my younger brother.I will never forget like a dad, leaving, threw me.Everyone was scared that I would hit the ceiling with my head. And I cried – dad, yoru beard is pricking! He promised that he would definitely return, but did not return: he was missing.
Initially,letters arrived from the front,each one a critically important event. Valentina’s mother, Theklinia, who was not literate, relied on others to read the letters aloud. The letters, filled with warmth and love, eventually ceased in 1943. The fate and burial place of Sergey Petrovich remain unknown to this day. Valentina treasures one of his letters as a precious family heirloom, preserving it for over 80 years.
Shortly after her father’s departure, a fourth child, a daughter named Nyura, was born into the family. Greetings from the father were conveyed in letters to the newborn, but she soon died.
Belovo Woman, Turning 90, Recalls War, Dedication to Power Station
BELOVO, Russia (AP) — Valentina Sergeyevna Halyapina will celebrate her 90th birthday this year, marking a life intertwined with the history of the belovskaya GRES power station, where she worked for over 30 years. Her memories remain vivid, encompassing both the hardships of the Great Patriotic War and the subsequent years of rebuilding.
Early Life and the Impact of War
The article focuses on Valentina Sergeyevna Halyapina’s life. It provides insights into her family’s experiences during wartime, her father’s service, and the impact of the war on her childhood.
Q&A: Early Life and War
What was Valentina Halyapina’s early life like?
Valentina was born in 1935 in the Altai Territory. A year later, her family, including her younger brother and older sister, moved to the Belovo railway station. Her father sought employment to support the family.
How did the onset of World war II affect Valentina’s family?
The outbreak of war in 1941 disrupted the family’s plans.Valentina recalled the fear and confusion when people shouted “war!”
What happened to Valentina’s father, Sergey Petrovich?
In 1942, Sergey Petrovich was drafted into the military. He never returned from the war and is listed as missing.
All relatives went to see dad. And we, the smallest children, have not taken me and my younger brother.I will never forget like a dad, leaving, threw me.Everyone was scared that I would hit the ceiling with my head. And I cried – dad, yoru beard is pricking! He promised that he would definitely return, but did not return: he was missing.
What role did letters play in the family during the war?
Initially,letters from the front were a critical part of their lives,bringing news from Sergey petrovich. Valentina’s mother, Theklinia, who was illiterate, had to rely on others to read the letters. These letters, filled with love, stopped arriving in 1943.
What became of Valentina’s father?
Sergey Petrovich’s fate and burial place remain unknown. Valentina still treasures one of his letters.
Was any other children born into the family?
Yes, a fourth child, a daughter named Nyura, was born shortly after her father’s departure. Greetings from the father were conveyed in letters to the newborn,but she soon died.