Ukraine сommemorates Dignity and Freedom Day: Zelensky urges people never to forget the cost of liberty

^{Photo: Facebook / Volodymyr Zelensky}

Zelensky emphasized:

"Thanks to the people, thanks to their desire to preserve freedom and independence for Ukraine, our state will always be on the political map of the world—always free and sovereign."

^{Photo: Facebook / Volodymyr Zelensky}

For reference:

Ukraine celebrates Dignity and Freedom Day on November 21.

It was established by the Presidential Decree of November 13, 2014, in honor of the beginning of two significant events in modern Ukrainian history:

• The Orange Revolution of 2004,
• The Revolution of Dignity of 2013, Ukrinform reports.

^{Photo: Facebook / Kyiv City Military Administration}

Dignity and Freedom Day became a successor to Freedom Day, which was celebrated on November 22 in honor of the Orange Revolution from 2005 to 2011. At the same time, in December 2011, then-President Viktor Yanukovych canceled Freedom Day and merged it with Unity Day.

^{Photo: Facebook / Kyiv City Military Administration}

On November 21, 2013, the Ukrainian people took to Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv to protest the government's decision to halt the progress towards European integration and abandon preparations for signing the Association Agreement with the European Union. The initial gathering consisted of a few hundred individuals but grew to over one hundred thousand supporters of European integration by November 24.

^{Photo: Facebook / Kyiv City Military Administration}

However, in contrast to the events of the Orange Revolution, this time, the defense of dignity and freedom came at an excellent cost for Ukrainian patriots. Over a hundred lives were lost, and more than 2 thousand were injured. Then, in the spring of 2014, Russia launched an armed aggression, which resulted in the occupation of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

^{Photo: Facebook / Kyiv City Military Administration}

For the third year in a row, Dignity and Freedom Day is celebrated against the backdrop of the full-scale war of the Russian Federation, which began on February 24, 2022. Ukraine is once again fighting for its freedom and independence, defending itself from the aggressor.

On the occasion of Dignity and Freedom Day, Kyiv and other cities will host several events. The program includes exhibitions, thematic excursions, public discussions, and the scientific forum "Revolution of Dignity: On the Path to History."

^{Photo: Facebook / Kyiv City Military Administration}

On Dignity and Freedom Day, the capital will also host a joint interfaith prayer for Ukraine and its brave fighters for freedom. To honor the fallen defenders of Ukraine, the Bell of Dignity will be rung, and flowers will be placed in the portraits of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. Additionally, lamps will be lit in their memory.

It should be noted that Ukrposhta is presenting a new artistic stamp, "Trident of Independence," for Dignity and Freedom Day. This stamp commemorates the events of the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity.

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