Independence Day: Second time in a row against the backdrop of the Great War

August 24 is and will always be a symbolic and extremely important day for Ukrainians around the world, even despite the enemy’s incessant attempts to break our spirit and destroy us physically. This day has become even more significant since 2014, as we have to fight for our freedom, liberty and independence with arms in our hands.

Any lavish celebration would obviously be out of place in the context of a full-scale war — there will be no parade again, and mass events will be cut to minimum in view of air threat. Nevertheless, this year’s Independence Day will be celebrated with dignity — a number of important events have been scheduled, some of which have grown into a tradition. In particular, the capital will host the Crimean Platform Summit, the Veterans’ Forum, and the National Legend of Ukraine award ceremony.

Various Independence Day celebrations will also take place outside of Ukraine — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed embassies to illuminate famous landmarks, hoist Ukrainian flags, hold marches and rallies together with Ukrainian communities, and hold a series of cultural diplomacy events (charity galas, concerts, exhibitions).

MOST OF THE ATTENTION AND HONOR WILL BE PAID THESE DAYS TO SOLDIERS AND DEFENDERS: AN AWARD CEREMONY FOR OUR HEROES WILL DEFINITELY BE HELD

Despite all the restrictions and enhanced security measures dictated by martial law, the official Independence Day program of events may be even more dense than last year.

“We expect leaders of other countries to attend official events. It’s too early to say which heads of state will be visiting Ukraine these days. However, the support from all our partners (both their personal attendance at the events and remote support of our allies) is an important testimony of how the civilized world has united against the aggressor and supports Ukraine in this difficult historical moment.

Given that the President of Ukraine will hold talks with the leaders of many countries to discuss further support for Ukraine, including military support, on the eve of the landmark dates of August 23–24 for Ukraine, it may be argued that the program is even more dense compared to last years. More details will follow later,” the press service of the Office of the President of Ukraine told Ukrinform.

They emphasized that, obviously, the main attention and honor these days would be paid to our soldiers, defenders, and representatives of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, so an award ceremony for our heroes would definitely be held.

DESTROYED RUSSIAN MILITARY EQUIPMENT WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE CENTER OF THE CAPITAL

Here is what we know about the events that have already been confirmed as part of the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence.

Official events will start on August 21, when Kyiv will host an international conference to discuss the setting up of a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. The aim of the conference is to discuss the importance of establishing such a judicial body and potential approaches to its formation, to unite participants around advocacy for the creation of the tribunal and to identify any challenges. Leading experts in international law, criminal law, and human rights from many countries have been invited to attend the conference. The event is held under the patronage of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

August 22 — Kyiv will host the “Ukraine is Where We Are” International Veteran and Volunteer Forum traditionally organized by the Ministry for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine in cooperation with the “Come Back Alive” Charity Foundation. This is an annual large-scale event attended by veterans, volunteers, representatives of government authorities and veterans’ organizations, as well as by international partners.

August 23 — Day of the State Flag of Ukraine.

August 23 — The third summit of the Crimean Platform will take place in Kyiv. The Crimean Platform is a well-known international coordination mechanism initiated by Ukraine to put the Crimea back on the agenda, protect human rights in Crimea and promote the peninsula’s de-occupation, as well as strengthen European and global security. This year’s Crimean Platform summit will be held in a hybrid format, which, according to the organizers, will provide an opportunity for leaders from distant countries to join. In particular, more than 100 invitations have been forwarded to world leaders on behalf of the President of Ukraine.

On the eve of Independence Day, the President of Ukraine will also award the National Legend of Ukraine decoration, which was established to recognize citizens for outstanding personal merits in establishing independent Ukraine, strengthening its statehood, defending the Fatherland, and serving the Ukrainian people, significant contribution to national economy, science, education, culture, art, sports, health care, as well as for active charity and community service.

SPIRITUAL AND SECULAR AUGUST 24 — AN INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE AND TWO SIGNIFICANT FILM PREMIERES WILL BE HELD

Important events will take place in this country’s spiritual and secular life on August 24. Saint Sophia Cathedral will host an Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Service dedicated to Independence Day with requests for peace, welfare, and prosperity for Ukraine. With the participation of all major faiths, these traditional prayer services have been held on this day every year for decades.

Meanwhile, two emblematic films will be widely distributed in Ukrainian cinemas. On August 24, screenings will begin of “Independence Day”, a documentary directed by Volodymyr Tykhyi and filmed within a single day a year ago on August 24. It was shot by 11 cinematographers across nine regions of Ukraine. The key idea is to show the emotions of Ukrainians and their lives on Independence Day, which was first celebrated during the Great War.

Also, on August 24, “Dovbush”, the high-budget historical action film about the legend of the Ukrainian Carpathians, directed by Oles Sanin, will be released nationally. The events in the film date back to the early 18th century, when Oleksa Dovbush lead the Hutsul uprising against the harsh rule of the Polish gentry. According to the film’s creators, the story resonates strongly with the present and inspires us to fight for the freedom of our native land.

The Telniuk sisters also dedicated their big concert to Independence Day. On August 25, they will perform together with the Presidential Orchestra at the capital’s new concert hall — the “Krakow” Cultural Cluster. The concert will feature well-known and new songs performed by the legendary vocal duo of People’s Artists of Ukraine Lesia and Halia Telniuk, whose repertoire includes songs based on poems by Taras Shevchenko, Pavlo Tychyna, Yevhen Malaniuk, Bohdan-Ihor Antonych, Vasyl Stus, Lina Kostenko, Oksana Zabuzhko, and others.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE CAPITAL ARE PREPARING SPECIAL CELEBRATORY PROGRAMS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

At the same time, according to the press service of the Kyiv City Military Administration, although no large-scale mass events will be held in the capital, the vast majority of cultural, artistic, cultural educational institutions in the city are preparing special celebratory programs, including themed exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events.

The curfew in the capital on August 23–24 will not be different from regular weekdays.

In particular, the following events are scheduled for August 22–24 in Kyiv:

- solemn hoisting of the State Flag;

- presenting passports to young citizens of Ukraine;

- various concert programs, festivals, performances by children’s artistic groups; cultural, artistic, informational and educational events; poetry nights;

A number of open-air events will take place these days:

- “Ukraine in Everyone’s Heart”, a street information event;

- “Field of Glory”, a cultural and religious initiative held together with representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

- a vintage car rally;

- a charity football match with the participation of the “Kozak System” and “Zhadan and the Dogs” rock bands;

- “Towels of Unity”, a Ukrainian-Italian project;

- and setting a national record for the largest camouflage net. Participants will try to break last year’s record, when a 2,208 square meter camouflage net was made in Lviv https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-uarazom/3564478-u-lvovi-spleli-najbilsu-v-ukraini-maskuvalnu-sitku.html.

A DISPLAY OF DESTROYED ENEMY EQUIPMENT ON KHRESHCHATYK, AND THE STATUE OF MOTHERLAND ILLUMINATED IN THE STATE FLAG COLORS

Just like last year, destroyed Russian military equipment will be put on display in the center of the capital, on Khreshchatyk and Mykhailivska Square, on Independence Day. The arsenal of the enemy’s destroyed weapons has been significantly replenished, with some of it currently being used by our servicemen against the enemy itself, and some of it becoming exhibits — a horrible testament to this war.

The Mother Ukraine monument will be traditionally illuminated in the colors of the State Flag, although this beautiful sight will become even more symbolic with the realization that a trident has been installed on the statue’s shield just a few days ago.

Obviously, everybody is aware that the celebrations scheduled for Independence Day can be interrupted at any time by an alarm siren, because, unfortunately, no calling off of missile attacks is in sight, — on the contrary, the enemy may intensify them on this day. But we will not bend and will celebrate this Independence Day of Ukraine — the 547th day of the Great War — with dignity.

Liubov Baziv. Kyiv