Tomorrow is
INDEPENDENCE DAY in the UKRAINE. It is the most significant
state holiday, which commemorates the “Declaration of Sovereignty” of Ukraine. Before
the Russian invasion one and a half years ago, Ukrainians gathered in their city squares
or went to Kyiv. There were special patriotic concerts, events, and meetings all
over the country. It is also the feast of the apostle, St. Bartholomew.
Last year, celebration
of the holiday was restricted within war-torn Ukraine
under martial law, but large scale celebration of Ukraine's
Independence
was held internationally in support of the country.
Within the United
Kingdom, Independence Day saw a significant celebration from the
estimated 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in the kingdom, and parades in support of Ukraine and protests condemning Russia were
both held.
In Germany,
a parade was held in Berlin, where a candlelight
vigil was set up in front of the Brandenburg
Gate. Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured
support, stating that Germany"stands firmly by the side of the threatened Ukraine
today and for as long as Ukraine
needs our support," and rebuked the Kremlin for
its
In Poland, thousands of
Polish citizens and Ukrainian refugees gathered in the city centers of Warsaw and Kraków in
celebration and support. The Palace of Culture and Science was
illuminated in Ukrainian blue and yellow.
In our own country and Canada, there many celebrations and prayers, especially in areas with a great population of Ukrainians.
Due to the on-going war, celebrations once again will be only in nations who support Ukraine's fight for freedom.
Maria
Prymachenko
This year, Gretchen
Whitmer, governor of Michigan,
proclaimed August 24, 2023, as Ukrainian Independence Day and urges all
citizens to join in commemorating this important anniversary. “On this day, let
us recommit ourselves to helping the Ukrainian nation reclaim full sovereignty
over its international borders and remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives
to ensure freedom and happiness for future generations.”
In spite of attempts
by Russia to subordinate and
strip Ukraine
of any form of its national identity and culture, the country remains standing
and a glowing example for the democratic world to follow.
