February 19, 2021. OTTAWA. On February 20, Ukraine and Ukrainians around the world mark the Day of Commemoration of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred (Nebesna Sotnya).
In late 2013, the Ukrainian people rose up in protest against the corrupt, authoritarian Yanukovych regime. In the Revolution of Dignity, the Ukrainian people defended their freedom and their inalienable right to have their voices heard by their government. The regime responded to the peaceful demonstrations with brutality and violence.
On February 18-20, 2014 the Yanukovych regime opened fire on its own people. Over 100 people – the Heavenly Hundred – were killed on Kyiv’s Maidan (Independence Square) defending the Ukrainian peoples’ right to liberty and justice. We honour their sacrifice. Герої не вмирають. Eternal is Their Memory Vichnaya Pamyat! Вічная Пам’ять.
In the Revolution of Dignity, the Ukrainian people successfully defended their right to choose their own common destiny and the independence of their country. Today, that independence is under threat from a foreign aggressor. For seven years, Russia has waged war on Ukraine in an attempt to once again subjugate the Ukrainian people to Moscow’s tyranny. The Ukrainian people are defending their freedom with courage, determination and unity of purpose.
As we pay tribute to the memory of the Heavenly Hundred, we also honour thousands of brave Ukrainian soldiers who have given their lives defending Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
The UCC asks all Canadians to pause to remember the heroic sacrifices of the Heavenly Hundred and the brave soldiers defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence on February 20.
Слава Україні! Героям Слава!