Today, March 9, would have turned 83 years old our first astronaut — Yuri Gagarin.
Submitted photos from the personal life of the first man to conquer space.
During his lifetime, and after the death of Yuri Gagarin’s sculpted image of the ideal man, the symbol of communism. But what was it really? We tried to get away from the stereotypes and accepted history, which from year to year through the media. In our material there are no official pictures and standard cards in the suit. Only photos from the life of a simple man named Yuri Gagarin.
Gagarin is a photographer. Autumn 1965.
The party in “Star city”, which was arranged in honor of the astronauts in the spring of 1965. Left — Yuri Gagarin, on the right — Alexei Leonov.
Post-flight rest. Crimea, summer 1961.
Yuri on vacation.
Crimea, summer 1961.
Yuri Gagarin with his daughters.
A friendly hug with Fidel Castro.
In trips abroad. After his flight, Gagarin visited numerous countries.
The captain of the hockey team of cosmonauts “Our” Yuri Gagarin. 1963.
Physical education. Two years later, after the flight Gagarin is still in good physical shape. The summer of 1963.
Yuri Gagarin with the camera.
Gift of the French company Matra: sports car Matra Djet. 1965.
A respectable owner of a black “Volga”. 1967.
“Hunters at rest”, fall 1966.
A good duck hunt. Autumn 1966.
Yuri Gagarin with his daughters Galya and Lena.
Two days before the flight, Gagarin wrote a letter to his wife Valentina. He knew that he had a very dangerous event, the risk to life was great. This is the letter:
“Hello, my dear, dearly beloved valechka, Helen and Tick!
I decided now to write a few lines to share with you and share together the joy and happiness that I had today. Today, the government Commission decided to send me into space first. You know, dear Valya, I want you were pleased with me. The common man was entrusted with such a large state task — to pave the first road to space!
Is it possible to dream big? Because this is history, this is a new era! The next day I should start. You are going to do their business. A very large task fell on my shoulders. I would like it to spend a little time with you, to talk to you. But, alas, you are far. Nevertheless, I always feel you close to me.
The technique I trust completely. It should not fail. But the fact is that the blue man falls and breaks his neck. Here, too, something can happen. But I still don’t believe it. Well, if that happens, then I ask you first of all you, Valya, not to kill with grief. After all, life is life, and no one is guaranteed that it will not be crushed by the machine. Take care, please, our girls love them like I do. Grow from them, please do not shirkers, not Mama’s daughters, and these people who bumps life would not be terrible. Grow up people, worthy of the new society — communism. This will help you state. Well, to arrange his personal life, as conscience tells you, as you see fit. No obligation, I do not impose upon you, and do not have the right to do. Something too mournful letter obtained. I myself don’t believe it. I hope that this letter you will never see, and I would be ashamed of myself for this momentary weakness. But if something happens, you have to know everything to the end.
I still lived honestly, truthfully, for the benefit of the people, though it was small. Once in the childhood I read the words of V. P. Chkalov: “If to be, be the first.” So I try it and I will be until the end. Want valechka, to dedicate this flight to people of a new society, communism, in which we are already entering our great Motherland, to our science.
I hope that in a few days we’ll be together again, be happy.
The valechka, please, don’t forget my parents, if possible, help in anything. Tell them I said Hello, and forgive me for what they didn’t know anything, but they are not supposed to know. Well, it seems, and all. Goodbye, my dear. Tightly you hug and kiss, Hey your dad and Yura. 10.04.61
Gagarin”
Valentina has read the letter only after seven years — after her husband’s death in a plane crash March 27, 1968.
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