Today, May 23rd is the Day of Heroes, an annual holiday that honors all the defenders of Ukraine who have fought for their native land for centuries and continue to do so today.
The history of this holiday is not an easy one. The decision to celebrate this holiday was made at the Second Great Assembly of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists in 1941. The date was chosen to honor the outstanding public figure, one of the greatest commanders of the armed forces, and ideologist of the Ukrainian nationalism, Yevhen Konovalets, who was insidiously murdered in Rotterdam on May 23, 1938. At first, the celebration of Heroes’ Day was held clandestinely, but with Ukraine’s independence, the holiday is gaining more publicity, especially with the start of the new Russian-Ukrainian war.
This day is another occasion to honor the bravest, most worthy and loyal sons and daughters of Ukraine, all those who gave the most precious thing for it – their own lives.
Now there is a war again, in which Ukrainians are once again fighting for their right to be free. From the Cossacks, the combatants the OUN and the UPA, the Legion of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen to our military, who now stand as a shield of steel against the enemy, the Ukrainian military tradition unites a generation of fighters, whose exploits inspire us to fight.
The Ukrainian heroes of today are different in age, gender, political and religious beliefs, worldview, social status and nationality. But they have one thing in common – love for their native land, the desire to feel like masters of it and hatred for those who came to rob and kill.
We bow our heads before those who have died.
We ask of our warriors only one thing: “Come back alive”.
Glory to Ukraine!
Glory to the Heroes!
Heroes do not die!
