The first April day lost its spring lightness for the people of Bendery in 1992, becoming the day of the beginning of the military aggression of the Moldovan nationalists against the inhabitants of a peaceful city. Every year on this day, the fallen defenders are remembered, including three employees of militia of Bendery. The city department of internal affairs of the city of Bendery was headed by Vasily Kalko in the difficult period for the republic of creating, establishing and protecting the young state. The officer took an active part in the defense of the country in March-July 1992.
The life of Vasily Kalko ended in September 2017. The memory of the patriot, defender, the first head of the Bendery department of internal affairs in modern Pridnestrovian history and the first Commissioner for Human Rights of the PMR was immortalized on April 1, 2018 by installing a nominal plaque on the house where Vasily Kalko lived. Laying flowers at the commemorative plate has become an obligatory component of the events held in Bendery on April 1. The President of the PMR Vadim Krasnoselsky invariably takes part in it. A scattering of carnations was left by the PMR President on behalf of the people of Pridnestrovie at the memorial sign with a portrait of an outstanding statesman today.
