Act of Proclamation of Independence of Ukraine

This is the right to determine for ourselves what our country will be like: what Independence Day and the Ukrainian flag really mean

35 years ago, on August 24, 1991, at an extraordinary session of the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR, the Act of Proclamation of Independence of Ukraine was adopted. This document became a cornerstone and not accidental in the modern history of our state.

The text of the Act of Independence was created on the morning of August 24 in the parliament building, showing determination and courage, together with other deputies, by Levko Lukyanenko and Leontiy Sandulyak.

It should be noted that our path to independence was winding and took more than one hundred years. Only in the 20th century did independence become proclaimed in 1918, 1939 and 1941.  In 1991, the centuries-old struggle of many generations of Ukrainians for a free Ukraine was crowned with the proclamation of Independence.

Independence Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a day that reminds us of our right to determine for ourselves on our own land what our country will be tomorrow. It is also a day that reminds us of the price of our freedom. Historical experience tells us that unity and mutual support are the key to our victory.

And modern Ukrainian indomitability and resilience have already been inscribed in glorious pages in world history.

What is the importance of Flag Day

Our flag is a symbol of identity, freedom and unity. Historically, flags have come a long way from military signal signs to the main symbols of the sovereignty of nations.

The blue-yellow flag is one of the oldest symbols of Ukrainian statehood, the roots of which date back to the Middle Ages.  During the Rus' period, the yellow-blue colors denoted the Kyivan State. Later, on the coat of arms of the Rus' Kingdom of the 14th century, a combination of blue and gold colors was found, which were also transferred to the banners. Actually, which were mentioned by chroniclers during the Battle of Grunwald.

The establishment of the combined blue-yellow colors as Ukrainian national colors occurred during the European "Spring of Nations". Thus, in June 1848, the blue-yellow flag was hoisted at the Lviv City Hall.

The next use of the blue-yellow flag occurred during the time of the Central Rada - on March 22, 1918, the Ukrainian People's Republic approved it as the state flag. And on April 29, 1918, Ukrainian flags were raised on destroyers and battleships based in Sevastopol.  The flagship ship "George the Victorious" gave the signal to raise the flag over the Ukrainian Black Sea Fleet.

The November Order of 1918 holds a special place in the history of our flag. It was then, on the night of October 31 to November 1, that the Ukrainian military raised the blue-and-yellow flag over Lviv. This flag was valuable not only as an act of statehood, but also literally expensive, because it was painted with saffron. That flag became a symbol that Ukrainians are able to take their fate into their own hands.

Today, when the Ukrainian flag returns to the liberated territory, it means the return of Ukraine. The blue-and-yellow flag is a symbol of our dignity, invincibility and victory.

Let us protect and honor our flag, let us not let it fall and do everything so that the blue-and-yellow flag always flies over the free Ukrainian land.

 Happy Independence Day of Ukraine! Happy National Flag Day! May our hearts be filled with pride in our glorious past and confidence in our successful future on these festive days.

Glory to Ukraine!