November 21 is the Day of Dignity and Freedom. The day when Ukraine honors the indomitability of its people, their aspiration for freedom, democracy, and the right to live in their own state without fear and dictatorship. This is a date that is forever etched in the hearts of millions, because it was on these days that the events that changed our history began – the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity.
We bow our heads to all the Heroes who stood up for truth and freedom. These are hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who took to the squares across the country, defending their future. These are the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred who gave their lives so that our country would have a chance for a decent tomorrow.
Among them is Roman Huryk, a student of the Faculty of Philosophy of the Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University. He was only 19 years old when a sniper’s bullet ended the life of a young man who came to Maidan not for fame or recognition, but for an idea – for the sake of Ukraine. Roman became a symbol of youth, sacrifice and unwavering faith in justice. And today we remember his name with deep gratitude along with the names of all who gave their lives for freedom.
But Ukraine’s struggle did not end in 2014. For over ten years, our people have continued to resist Russian aggression, fighting for their statehood on the battlefields, in cities and villages, in the rear and on the front lines. Every day, our military, volunteers, medics, volunteers, and civilians give their all for one thing — so that Ukraine remains free.
Today we honor not only past exploits, but also the current Defenders, who are writing a new page of Ukrainian dignity. We remember those who died and support those who are fighting now.
We thank everyone who stands for our freedom — from the trenches to university classrooms, from volunteer centers to hospital wards where our fighters save their lives.
Dignity and Freedom Day is a reminder of the price at which the right to be Ukrainian is fought. It is a day of gratitude, a day of remembrance, and a day of faith. Faith that our people will not be broken, that every sacrifice was not in vain, that Ukraine will stand and win.
We continue the struggle. We continue to foster unity, support, and mutual responsibility. We continue to move forward because the values for which the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred and thousands of our defenders on the front died live in our hearts.
Eternal memory to the Heroes. Eternal honor to everyone who stood up for the defense of Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!