WASHINGTON – Ukrainians in gathered on February 20 in the heart of the U.S. capital, near the Lincoln Memorial, for a vigil commemorating the heroes of the Heavenly Brigade.
The event, which was attended by members of the Ukrainian community and diplomats from the Embassy of Ukraine, started with mournful Lemko folk song “Plyve Kacha.” It was with this song three years ago that the fallen Ukrainian heroes went on their last journey from the Maidan in Kyiv.
In his address to participants of the vigil, the ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Valeriy Chaly, said that we, Ukrainians, must be worthy of the memory of the participants of the Revolution of Dignity, who gave their lives for a decent future for Ukraine.
Ambassador Chaly stressed that the struggle for Ukraine continues against Russia’s ongoing aggression. He thanked everyone for their unity and solidarity with Ukraine.
During the ceremony, leaders of Ukrainian American organizations of Washington, in particular, the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, United Help Ukraine and Razom, also addressed the gathering.
A joint prayer for the Heavenly Brigade was offered by priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic Churches. The event ended with singing of the Ukrainian and American national anthems and a candle-lightning ceremony.