In an interview with a Turmush correspondent, she spoke about her great-grandfather's fate, family traditions, and the preservation of historical memory.
Larisa, a primary school teacher from Karakol, was born on July 24, 1977. She is the mother of two children and proudly keeps the memory of her great-grandfather, whose life became a symbol of courage. "He died near Moscow, defending our Motherland. He was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. We carefully preserve the documents about his feat," Larisa shares.
Grigory Yefimovich Konkin was born in 1911 in the village of Pokrovka in the Jeti-Oguz district. After finishing primary school, he worked at the collective farm named after V.I. Chapaev. In 1941, he was drafted into the Red Army. On November 16 of that year, he participated in the famous battle at the Dubosekovo railway station, where, along with the 28 Panfilov heroes, he repelled enemy attacks and destroyed 18 tanks. He died in this battle, leaving his mark in history.
By the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated July 21, 1942, Grigory Konkin was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for "exemplary performance of combat missions and displayed courage and heroism." His remains rest in a mass grave near the village of Nelidovo.
The family history of the Konkins is a relic. "I feel deep gratitude to all Soviet soldiers who gifted us peace. We tell our children about the sacrifices made for our future," says Larisa.
Grigory Konkin had three children: Nikolai, Anatoly, and Antonina, who was born on November 16, 1939, two years before his death. "Unfortunately, they are no longer with us. Larisa is the granddaughter of the eldest son, Nikolai. Her uncle, Alexander Nikolayevich Konkin, visited the mass grave of their great-grandfather and spoke with eyewitnesses of the battle. I dream of visiting there," Larisa admits.
One of the bright moments in the family history is the visit of the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin to the village of Konkino, named after the hero. Gagarin came during Soviet times to honor the memory of Grigory Konkin and visited the house from which he left for the front. "My father, when he was little, still remembers that day. People asked Gagarin what the Earth looks like from space. He replied that it is blue and very beautiful. Everyone was thrilled," recalls Larisa.
This meeting left an indelible mark in the hearts of the local residents. "Even after many years, people remember every detail — how Gagarin smiled and talked about space. This event united everyone," she adds.
Larisa raises her children and students in the spirit of respect for the feats of their ancestors. "My upbringing was in the spirit of Soviet values. I teach children to live with a conscience and remember those who gave their lives for our future," she says.
Today, the village of Konkino in the Jeti-Oguz district bears the name of Grigory Konkin. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren live here, continuing to preserve the memory of their hero. The story of Grigory Konkin and Yuri Gagarin's visit remain symbols of courage and unity for the entire family and local residents.
Gallery: how the first cosmonaut visited the hero's home in Issyk-Kul. A story by Larisa Konkina.
