The price of freedom
We will never forget the heroes of the Heavenly Hundred
IN THE LAST TEN YEARS, THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY has become the most painful one for Ukrainians. The February pain, however, is unevenly distributed along the month, and we are just starting the period when hearts in Ukraine beat with sadness by remembering the dates that changed this nation and brought so much agony and despair.
Only four days separates the retrospect of the two most tragic moments of Ukraine's recent journey. In four days, February 24th, the world will remember two years of the ongoing Russian invasion, probably one of the most illogical and irrational geopolitical events of modern history. A decision that disrupted the life of 40 million people from night to day, and keeps accumulating consequences to the entire world.
This is just the most recent tragedy we will remember this week, the other one is completing ten years today. But it is still fresh in our souls because it was one of the darkest chapters of our lives – the bloodiest days of the EuroMaidan Revolution, also known as the Revolution of Dignity.
And probably the day when many people around the world started to be aware of Ukraine. From this day ten years ago, we never left the news.
It is a day of remembrance, a day we honor the courageous Ukrainians who fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. On February 20th, 2014, we not only witnessed the loss of lives, but also saw the beginning of Russia's terror against Ukraine: these heroes, most of whom were unarmed, protested in peace when they faced heavily armed security forces from the Russian-backed government of the time, which was determined to crush their voices of dissent by opening fire to the crowd.
As we reflect on this particular moment of our history, our hearts are heavy with the memory of the fallen heroes of the Heavenly Hundred – those brave souls who stood determined in the face of tyranny.
The sacrifices made by the Heavenly Hundred were not in vain. Their courage sparked a revolution that ultimately triumphed over oppression. Despite the violence and bloodshed in the Independence Square in Kyiv, the Ukrainian people stood firm in their resolve, refusing to be intimidated by the forces of tyranny. It was an affirmation of our national pride and our wish to independently drive our destiny, especially by choosing our partners and the alliances we deem important to our prosperity.
The events of that fateful day are a powerful reminder of the price of freedom. It was a day when Ukrainian civil society, predominantly composed of young and brave individuals, rose to defend their rights for a better future.
Today, as Ukraine continues to defend its freedom against this insane aggression, we stand united in our commitment of building a future that is European and free. We refuse to be subjected again to those who are centuries are trying to erase our pride, our language, our nation.
Our journey has been completely marked with challenges. Like these days in February, there's no shortage of dates to remember our fallen heroes. But our determination remains unyielding. Victory is non-negotiable.
Let us never forget the price of freedom. Glory to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred!
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