Past Struggles, Present War: Ukraine Marks Day of Dignity and Freedom

Ukraine is observing the Day of Dignity and Freedom on November 21.

The Gaze reports this, referring to Ukrinform.

It is a national commemoration honoring the pro-democracy movements that reshaped the country’s modern history – the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2013-2014 Revolution of Dignity.

Established by a presidential decree in 2014, the holiday serves both as a reminder of Ukraine’s longstanding struggle for democratic choice and as a tribute to those who lost their lives defending it. 

More than 100 people were killed and over 2,000 injured during the 2013–2014 protests, which erupted after the government halted preparations to sign an association agreement with the European Union.

This year’s commemoration takes place in the third year of Russia’s full-scale invasion, underscoring the continuity of Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. 

The nationwide events are held under the motto “November 21… and every day, without days off,” reflecting the country’s ongoing resistance.

Across Kyiv and other cities, the program includes exhibitions, forums, conferences, film screenings, and theatre performances dedicated to the values of dignity, freedom, and civil courage. 

In the capital, religious leaders will hold an interfaith prayer for Ukraine, followed by a flower-laying ceremony along the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes and the annual “Bell of Memory” tribute. A new monument titled “Angels in White Coats” will also be consecrated.

Last year’s events were held under the slogan “We Cannot Be Defeated,” marking 20 years since the Orange Revolution and 11 years since the Euromaidan uprising. 

This year, as Russia’s aggression continues, the day carries renewed significance – honoring the ongoing defense of Ukraine’s freedom and independence.

As The Gaze previously reported, on February 20, Ukraine marks the Day of Remembrance of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. 

It is marked annually on February 20 in accordance with the Presidential Decree of February 11, 2015 "On commemorating the feat of the participants in the Revolution of Dignity and perpetuating the memory of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.” 

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