NP-UN National Affairs Desk.
On February 20 Ukraine marked the Day of Commemoration of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred (Небесна Сотня).
In the fall of 2013, the Ukrainian people took to the streets in protest against the authoritarian, corrupt regime of former president Victor Yanukovych. This movement, known as the Revolution of Dignity, saw Ukrainians all across the country rise up in defence of their inalienable rights. They demanded rule of law and democracy. They demanded their government treat them with the dignity that every human being deserves. The regime responded with violence.
“On February 18-20, 2014, the Yanukovych regime opened fire on its own people. Over 100 people – the Heavenly Hundred – were murdered on the Maidan (Independence Square) in the center of Kyiv. The Heavenly Hundred paid with their lives defending the Ukrainian peoples’ right to liberty and justice. They stand as an eternal example to us all of bravery and patriotism. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Today, we honour their memory. Вічная Пам’ять,” stated the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in a press release.
“Today, four years after the triumph of the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine is forced to defend itself against a ruthless war waged by Russia. The Russian occupation of sovereign Ukrainian territory in Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts enters its fifth year. The Ukrainian people continue to courageously defend their country with determination and unity of purpose.
“Today, as we honour the memory of the Heavenly Hundred, we also pay tribute to the thousands of Ukrainians who have fallen or been wounded defending their country from Russian aggression.
The UCC asks all Canadians to pause to remember the heroic sacrifices of the Heavenly Hundred and the brave soldiers defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and to attend memorial services for the Heavenly Hundred in their communities.
“The UCC encourages all Canadians to support the many charitable initiatives providing support to the families of the Heavenly Hundred, families of soldiers who have given their lives for Ukraine, wounded Ukrainian war veterans and over 1.6 million people displaced as a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine,” added the UCC in its release.
James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman, also released a statement regarding the 4th Anniversary of the tragic shootings.
“Today we remember the lives of the Heavenly Hundred who were senselessly murdered during peaceful protests against the corrupt Ukrainian government of President Viktor Yanukovych. After four years of rampant corruption, the continued violation of democratic rights, and President Yanukovych blatant disregard of the European aspirations of his own people, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets to call for the resignation of President Yanukovych,” he stated in a February 20 release.
“Rather than meet with these Euromaidan protestors to discuss reforms, President Yanukovych sanctioned police brutality and murder. Unfortunately, over one hundred proud Ukrainian heroes made the ultimate sacrifice in their quest for a free, democratic, and law-abiding Ukraine.
“Within days of these senseless acts of violence, I was on the Maidan to mourn for these fallen heroes, and to offer witness to the brutality of the Yanukovych regime who had violated the human rights of these innocent Ukrainians.
“We must remember the sacrifice of these brave Ukrainian men and women. We must continue to aid Ukraine in its democratic reforms, and support Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territory. The legacy of the Heavenly Hundred, and all those who took part in the Revolution of Dignity, lives on in the actions we take today and in the future.
“Slava Ukrayini! Heroyam slava!” added Bezan.
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