Memorial Day for Defenders of Ukraine
In Ukraine, August 29 is marked as Memorial Day for those who lost their lives in the fight for the country's independence.
This day was established by the decree of the President of Ukraine on August 23, 2019, to honor the bravery of soldiers and volunteers who sacrificed their lives for their homeland.
The choice of August 29 for this commemoration is not accidental, as it marks the day in 2014 when a significant breakthrough occurred during the Russian-Ukrainian war and the Ilovaisk operation, showcasing mass heroism of soldiers and volunteers, with many Ukrainian warriors losing their lives.
Remembering the fallen soldiers binds us to remain resilient and strong in defending our homeland, emphasized the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Syrskyi noted that since 2014, Russian aggression has claimed the lives of Ukrainians daily. Every loss, he highlighted, is an “unspeakable pain for loved ones, comrades, and for all of Ukraine.”
“However, the sacrifice of every Ukrainian soldier is not in vain. It underpins the freedom of the Ukrainian nation and the independence of our state. The memory of heroes reminds us of the cost of that freedom and obliges us to be resilient and strong in defending Ukraine. Eternal glory and memory to all who gave their lives for Ukraine,” the Commander-in-Chief stated.
He emphasized that the names of fallen defenders are eternally inscribed in Ukraine's history, their feats are forever chronicled in the “annals of our independence.”
Today, Ukraine honors the memory of those who gave the most precious for the freedom of our state. Thanks to them, Ukraine lives. This was stated by the Minister of Defense, Denys Shmyhal, on the occasion of the Memorial Day for Defenders of Ukraine.
“We remember with gratitude the defenders of Ukraine, those who have halted the enemy at the cost of their own lives since the very beginning of the Russian aggression. They are true heroes, an example of strength, loyalty, and sacrifice,” Shmyhal emphasized.
He reminded that the symbol of this day is the sunflower, which grew in the battlefields around Ilovaisk, where in 2014 Ukrainian soldiers stood to defend their homeland.
“Thanks to them, Ukraine lives. We continue to fight for our victory and independence. We remember. We fight. We will win!” the minister concluded.
