The Kherson Watermelon Monument, also known as the "Gifts of Kherson Oblast" Memorial (), is an art exhibition in Kherson Oblast in Ukraine dedicated to the importance of watermelon production to the local economy. The monument was built in 1988, and is located at the villgae of Osokorivka. It is the first and largest watermelon memorial in Ukraine.
Characteristics.
The structure is made of metal and concrete, with a total height of about . The top of the monument is in the color and shape of a watermelon cut open, with a height of about .
History.
In 1988, this monument was completed by an order from the local viilage council in Osokorivka, headed by Viktor Volcheno. The monument was designed by artist Serhiy Polinok, and built by welders Vasyl Pasko and Petro Bondarenko. There were also records that claim that the monument was not installed until 2003.
During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the monument came under Russian occupation. It later returned to Ukrainian control as the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade retook the area in early October 2022. The monument was damaged by artillery shell fragments as a result of the fighting.