Today is the Day of Dignity and Freedom: a reminder of the strength of Ukrainians and the fight for freedom
21 November 09:35
Today, on November 21, Ukrainians commemorate the Day of Dignity and Freedom, a holiday that combines two key events in recent history: The Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity in 2013. Both of these movements have become a symbol of the Ukrainian people’s desire for freedom, justice and a European future, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
This day reminds us that Ukrainians are capable of defending their country and democratic choice by uniting against injustice and external pressure.
What does the Day of Dignity and Freedom mean?
The public holiday was established in November 2014 by a presidential decree and is intended to promote the values of
- freedom and democracy
- the rule of law
- respect for human rights;
- the European path of Ukraine;
- unbreakable spirit and unity of Ukrainians.
Today, in the midst of a full-scale war, this day has an even deeper meaning. It combines the events of past revolutions with Ukraine’s current struggle for independence and the right to exist as a free state.
The Orange Revolution: When Ukrainians defended their choice
After the second round of the presidential election on November 21, 2004, the CEC declared Viktor Yanukovych the winner. Widespread reports of fraud sparked protests across the country, and on November 22, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians took to the Maidan.
Main events:
- weeks of peaceful protests;
- the Supreme Court’s decision to cancel the election results;
- repeated second round of elections;
- viktor Yushchenko’s victory.
In 2005, the new president established Freedom Day, but in 2011, Yanukovych canceled it.
The Revolution of Dignity: the struggle for a European course
on November 21, 2013, Ukrainians again took to the Maidan, this time over the government’s decision to suspend preparations for signing the Association Agreement with the EU. Initially, these were peaceful student protests, but the events quickly escalated into a large-scale national movement.
Key moments:
- november 30 – the brutal dispersal of students on Maidan, which outraged society;
- december-January – barricades, Euromaidan turns into a nationwide action;
- february 18-20, 2014 – the most tragic days: clashes in the center of Kyiv, the arson of the Trade Union Building, the shooting of the Heavenly Hundred;
- viktor Yanukovych’s escape and early presidential elections;
- petro Poroshenko’s victory and the establishment of the Day of Dignity and Freedom in 2014.
The Revolution of Dignity became a point of no return: Ukrainians finally chose the path to Europe and demonstrated to the world their readiness to fight for freedom.
Why this holiday is important today
During the war with Russia, the Day of Dignity and Freedom takes on a new meaning. The holiday
- reminds us of the invincibility of Ukrainians;
- honors the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred and all those who died for Ukraine;
- emphasizes that the struggle for freedom continues;
- is a symbol that the Ukrainian people will not give up their right to independence.
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