Returning the Names is an annual commemoration of people who were exiled, arrested, or executed by the Soviet regime. Since 2007, every year on October 29, many people gather in different cities around the world to commemorate and read aloud the names of the victims of the crimes of the Soviet state.
October 29 is not only a day for remembrance, but also a day for us to think about how the past and the present can be connected. It is also a day to see and listen to each other and to ask ourselves some questions. What is on our minds as we queue to read the names of some of the millions who perished? Why is it important for us to remember those who were executed? What is this “we”, what is it that brings us together today?
Perhaps “we” relates to those for whom Soviet terror is a personal and family tragedy. Or to those who understand the link between State crimes of the past and those of the present. Those who live in Russia, or those who live abroad. Those who are free and those who are in prison.
Like every year, we invite you to hold a “Returning the Names” gathering near memorial sites associated with the history of Soviet state crimes. The event can be large-scale, or it can be for a small circle of people who share the values of freedom and respect for human life.
Returning the Names will take place on October 29 in many cities around the world — join a reading near you. The list of places where an action has already been organized is constantly updated in the Cities 2024 section. If Returning the Names has not yet been planned where you live, you can organize one yourself. Detailed instructions are available in the Become an organizer section.
Our contacts: [email protected]
About our Telegram bot
This year we have developed a Telegram bot that can help you participate in the campaign and answer your questions! You can use it yourself, or you can send it to your family and friends who share our values. There you can find details about the forms of participation in the 2024 campaign, request names to read, fill out the organizer’s questionnaire, ask us any questions, or share videos and photos of your event with us.
Support the project
Returning the Names takes place in many cities around the world. On this day, thousands of people line up and, taking turns, read aloud the names of those executed by the Soviet regime.
We coordinate events in different countries, film and edit the readings, prepare captions in several languages, put together a twelve-hour broadcast — and we need your support.
Today, when propaganda in Russia and many other countries is carefully trying to erase and control the memory of terror in order to justify modern repression and war crimes, it is more important than ever to carry out this action.
Support Memorial and Returning the Names.