Day of Dignity and Freedom in Ukraine: Honoring Memory and Struggle
In Ukraine, November 21 is marked as a significant date - the Day of Dignity and Freedom.
This holiday was established by the presidential decree on November 13, 2014, to commemorate the beginning of two key events in Ukrainian history - the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity of 2013.
The Day of Dignity and Freedom succeeded the Day of Freedom, which was celebrated from 2005 to 2011 on November 22. In 2011, President Yanukovych abolished this holiday, merging it with the Day of Unity.
On November 21, 2013, mass protests began at Independence Square in Kyiv in response to the government's decision to suspend the Euro-integration process. Initially, a few hundred people gathered, but by November 24, their numbers exceeded one hundred thousand.
Unlike the Orange Revolution, this time the fight for dignity and freedom cost many Ukrainian patriots their lives: over one hundred people died, and more than two thousand were injured. In 2014, Russia's aggression began, accompanied by the occupation of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
This year, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Dignity and Freedom for the fourth consecutive year amidst the full-scale invasion by Russia, which has been ongoing since February 24, 2022. The country is once again fighting for its freedom and independence.
A series of events are planned in Kyiv and other cities to commemorate the Day of Dignity and Freedom, under the slogan "November 21... and every day, without weekends." The program includes exhibitions, forums, conferences, screenings of thematic films, and theatrical events.
In the capital, a joint interfaith prayer for Ukraine and its defenders is scheduled, along with flower laying at the Alley of Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, and the "Memory Bell" action. A consecration of the monument to the "Angels in White Coats" will also take place.
***
In the General Staff of the Armed Forces, it was noted on the occasion of this holiday that the Revolution of Dignity became a symbol of nobility, courage, and self-sacrifice, and forever changed the history of Ukraine.
"On November 21, 2025, we will celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Orange Revolution, which significantly impacted the formation of national consciousness and democratization of society," the General Staff noted on Facebook.
It was emphasized that on November 21, the Armed Forces of Ukraine honor the dignity and freedom of the Ukrainian people and all heroes who have risen against Russian imperialism for centuries.
"The Armed Forces protect the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, affirming the ideals of freedom and democracy, while paying tribute to the patriotism of citizens," the statement said.
The General Staff also highlighted that participants of the Revolution of Dignity played a vital role in building the reformed Armed Forces of Ukraine, and many of them became leaders of reforms in line with NATO standards.
"A low bow to those soldiers who, during the Anti-Terrorist Operation and Joint Forces Operation, demonstrate to the world that they can protect the state and help those suffering from the crimes of Russian occupiers," the General Staff concluded.
