Today, May 23, we celebrate Heroes Day

Today, May 23, we celebrate Heroes' Day. This date unites the defenders of our freedom and independence, from the warriors of Kyivan Rus to the brave men and women who defend the state today.

The holiday, the idea of ​​which arose among Ukrainian nationalists, was officially introduced in April 1941 by a resolution of the Second Great Meeting of the OUN. In memory of one of the leaders of the Ukrainian liberation movement, Yevhen Konovalets, who died at the hands of the NKVD on May 23.

The tradition of honoring Heroes on this day was previously supported mainly by the Ukrainian diaspora. With the beginning of military operations in eastern Ukraine and the full-scale invasion of the enemy in February 2022, the date acquired a new meaning. Because Heroes are now among us.

This day is about people who were not afraid to be strong. Who, at a crucial moment for the country, made a decision in favor of "fight!" And with ardent love for Ukraine in their hearts, they defended it and their families, often at the cost of their health and lives.

Let's look around, friends, and see how many of them are around us! Relatives, friends, former classmates... Men and women, with life experience and very young. All those who could live a happy peaceful life, raise children, travel, build a career. And instead, they decided to choose the most honorable of jobs, because they know: without freedom there will be no happy fate.

We bow low to our Heroes, thanks to whom Ukraine still exists. And we remember the courage and feat of the warriors "on the shield."