Day of Mourning and Commemoration of the Victims of the War in Ukraine
June 22 is one of the most tragic dates in the historical memory of the Ukrainian people. On this day, we honor the millions of people whose lives were cut short by war, we remember those who passed through the trials of occupation, the front, forced deportations, concentration camps and irreparable losses. The Day of Mourning and Commemoration of War Victims in Ukraine was established by Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 1245/2000 dated November 17, 2000 as a reminder of one of the most terrible pages in our history.
For Ukrainians, this date has long ceased to be just a reminder of the events of the past. It became a symbol of the centuries-old struggle of our people for the right to live on their own land, to preserve their culture, language and statehood. Over the centuries, Ukrainians repeatedly became victims of wars of aggression, but each time they found the strength to resist and defend their freedom.
Today the story sounds especially painful. Ukraine is once again experiencing a brutal war, once again losing its defenders and peaceful citizens every day, again forced to defend the right to an independent future. In 1941, Ukrainians defended their homeland from the Nazi invasion. Today, their descendants are resisting Russian aggression with weapons in their hands, defending independence, democracy and the right to independently determine their own future.
Honoring the victims of war reminds us of the extraordinary value of peace, of the responsibility to those who gave their lives for the freedom of the Motherland, and of the duty to preserve the historical truth. We remember all those who died on the battlefields, in concentration camps, during the occupation and repression. We bow our heads to the soldiers who defend Ukraine today, and to the peaceful citizens whose lives were taken by the modern war.
The memory of the dead lives in our hearts, strengthens our unity and adds strength to the struggle for a free, independent and peaceful Ukraine. We have no right to forget those who gave their lives for future generations.
Eternal memory to all war victims. Honor and glory to the Ukrainian heroes who fought and continue to fight for the freedom and independence of Ukraine.
