The Ukrainian Canadian Congress on February 19 issued the following statement on the occasion of the day of commemoration of the heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, which was marked in Ukraine on February 20.
Today, the Ukrainian Canadian community joins our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and around the world in honoring the memory of all those who laid down their lives in the battle for a free and democratic Ukraine. In February 2014, the oppressive, authoritarian regime of former President Viktor Yanukovych opened fire on its own people. The Heavenly Hundred (Небесна Сотня) gave their lives to ensure that the people of Ukraine may live in freedom and dignity. Their sacrifice will be remembered always. The Revolution of Dignity stands as an example to us all of heroism, courage and determination.
Today, the people of Ukraine are once again forced to take up arms to defend themselves against a brutal war wrought on them by an external aggressor – the Russian Federation. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has taken the lives of thousands more of Ukraine’s brave daughters and sons. Russia has callously violated international laws, security guarantees, and undermined global peace and security with its illegal invasion of Ukraine and sponsorship of terrorism on the territory of Ukraine.
Today, as we honor the memory of the Heavenly Hundred, we pay tribute to all those who have fallen and all those who today continue to bravely fight, defending Ukraine against Russia’s brutal assault on Ukraine’s independence. We pray that peace will soon return to Ukraine.
May their memories be eternal! Vichnaya pamiat!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to its heroes!