Today, records in Ukrainian communities have long gone beyond ordinary spectacles or formal numbers. They have transformed into a tool for unity, army support, veteran rehabilitation, and the preservation of cultural memory.
Olha Bodnar, an expert of the “Book of World Records,” shared which achievements leave the deepest mark, how to maintain a balance between regulations and emotions during official verification, and why communities should dream big.
— You have officially verified many remarkable achievements across the country. Which specific record in local communities stands out the most in your memory, and why?
— What leaves the deepest mark is not so much formal numbers, but meaning, the accumulation of resources to support our defense, and the preservation of living memory. In times of war, every record is primarily a demonstration of resilience and unity. Achievements that combine the promotion of intangible cultural heritage with volunteer drive and veteran support are particularly memorable.
Vivid examples include gastronomic and ecological records in communities — from baking a 35.6-meter Krasiv pie to preparing hundreds of liters of traditional zasypana kapusta (stuffed cabbage mash) and Hetman borsch, or participating in planting over a million trees across Ukraine and the world in our “Garden of Memory and Dreams” alongside families of military personnel, fallen Defenders, prisoners of war, and the missing in action.
Why do they leave such a deep impression? Because in these moments, a record transforms into a platform for accumulating aid for the Defense Forces of Ukraine, supporting wounded warriors, and rehabilitating veterans. It is an action that restores a community’s sense of its own strength, proves that our heritage is living armor, and unites people around a common goal.
— Setting a record always involves responsibility and energy. What is the most challenging part for you during the official verification of an achievement on site?
— The most difficult and at the same time most responsible moment is maintaining a balance between strict verification regulations and the high emotional tension of the event under current conditions.
When passions run high during a record attempt, when people are anxious, and when volunteers, families of defenders, and veterans are among the participants, the ambassador must remain strictly impartial, precise, and composed. Every detail must be thoroughly checked: measuring parameters, ensuring adherence to technology or traditional recipes (when dealing with intangible heritage), and verifying compliance with the regulations.
The complexity lies in acting as a clear indicator of fairness during times of great trials, while simultaneously remaining a source of empathy, faith, and inspiration for the community.
— In your opinion, why is it important for local communities today to initiate and set records? What does it bring to local residents and the region as a whole?
— In times of war, a record for a community is a strategic tool for social cohesion, cultural resilience, and rehabilitation. There are several key dimensions here:
- Promotion of intangible cultural heritage: It is an opportunity to bring local rituals, crafts, and traditional gastronomy back from oblivion and give them new life. Heritage is our cultural code and the answer to what we are fighting for.
- Collaboration with veterans and their reintegration: Joint preparation for a record allows us to involve male and female veterans in active community life, creating a space of equal honor, socialization, and barrier-free communication.
- Resource accumulation: An event of this scale attracts media attention and donors, enabling fundraising campaigns, fairs, and auctions to support front-line needs and volunteer centers.
- Psychological support for residents: It provides a sense of synergy: “We are not just enduring; we are creating, uniting, and winning!”
— A record is always primarily about people. What kind of atmosphere usually prevails in communities when they unite for a shared record goal?
— It is a special atmosphere of synergy, mutual respect, and a single heartbeat. In those moments, barriers of age, title, or social status completely disappear. Local artisans, youth, volunteers, war veterans, local authorities, and internally displaced Ukrainians work side by side in the same row. A feeling of genuine mutual support and creative inspiration prevails. People share resources, help one another, and exchange living stories and traditions.
This is that very state of horizontal interaction — a living mesh of community that sustains spiritual resilience. When the result is announced and the words “Record Official!” resound, a sense of true triumph of unity takes over, inspiring the community to keep living and fighting.
— What main piece of advice or encouraging word would you give to communities that are just considering submitting an application and writing their name in the history of records?
— My main advice: do not be afraid to dream big, seek deep value and meaning in your record, and learn to open Ukraine to Ukrainians and the world!
- Rely on living heritage. Find a unique element of intangible cultural heritage in your region: an authentic dish, traditional craft, ritual, or song. Make it the foundation of your record.
- Engage veterans and volunteer centers. Turn the record into a shared platform for gratitude, rehabilitation, and mutual support. Involving our male and female Defenders will give the event true depth.
- Direct energy toward supporting the country. Embed a charitable component into your record idea — accumulating resources for the Defense Forces of Ukraine or supporting social initiatives.
Remember that every record today is not about formal figures or a show; it is about our cultural armor, our identity, community cohesion, and our contribution to our shared Victory!
So let us value what is ours, love what is ours, and hold the line of Ukrainian identity!
