On May 23, Ukrainians celebrate Heroes’ Day—a holiday honoring the greatness of spirit of those who fought for freedom and for a sovereign and independent country.
This holiday was established in 1941 by the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN). The date of May 23 was not chosen by chance. On May 3, under controversial circumstances, Mykola Mikhnovsky, the ideologue of Ukrainian independence, was killed. On May 23 and 25, Soviet agents assassinated the leaders of the Ukrainian liberation movement, Yevhen Konovalets and Symon Petliura. Initially, the holiday was observed unofficially, but it began to gain prominence after Ukraine gained independence.
During World War II and after its end, Heroes’ Day was observed by members of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists and soldiers of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. On the eve of and on this day, OUN members and youth held closed festive gatherings (meetings). Where possible, “mass” festive gatherings were held for the general public. People gathered at the graves of local heroes, sang the Ukrainian national anthem and the OUN anthem—“We Were Born in a Great Hour”—and delivered speeches.
This day was special within the Ukrainian diaspora, which promoted the continuity of Ukrainian military tradition and the heroism of warriors from the times of Ancient Rus’ and the Cossacks through to the twentieth century, citing the examples of the Ukrainian Galician Army, the Sich Riflemen, the Army of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, the OUN, and the UPA. They viewed the memory of fallen heroes and landmark battles as a powerful mobilizing and patriotic-educational factor that motivated subsequent generations to fight for independence.
Although the holiday is not official, the tradition of honoring heroes on May 23 is growing stronger. It has taken on special significance since 2014, when Ukrainians began defending their territorial integrity and the right to freely choose their country’s path in the War for Ukraine’s Independence.
Soldiers, medics, rescuers, volunteers, and volunteers. All those who are resisting Russian aggression today deserve the highest respect and recognition. From the past to the present, the Heroes of Ukraine are united by a single spirit. Every day in the fight for truth is a severe test of strength, courage, and faith. But despite all the trials, Ukraine’s future is unshakable—among the circle of free democratic nations.
We remember everyone who fell for the freedom of Ukraine, and we continue the fight so that our country remains strong and free!
Glory to the Heroes of Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!