July 28 marks the Day of Remembrance for Ukraine’s Defenders — including members of volunteer formations and civilians who were executed, tortured, or died in captivity.
On this day, humanitarian hubs and centers established for residents of Donetsk region in safer parts of Ukraine organized and held patriotic events to honor the fallen.
At the “My Chasiv Yar in Kyiv” humanitarian center of the Chasiv Yar City Military Administration, a memorial event titled “The Power of Memory: The Unbroken in Our Hearts” was held, dedicated to this significant and painful date. During the roundtable discussion “We Remember: Voices from Captivity,” participants shared personal stories of loss, remembered loved ones, comrades, and friends, and spoke of the pain of waiting and the strength of faith.
At the Cultural Space of the Toretsk Community in Dnipro, a commemorative requiem event took place, dedicated to the memory of the defenders of Azovstal who died in the July 2022 attack on the prison colony in Olenivka.
The “MyRazom” support center for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Kramatorsk district in Poltava joined the “Wings of the Unbroken” campaign. During the event, participants created symbolic paper doves — representing the souls of the fallen and the longing for peace — and attached them to tree branches. Each dove became a piece of collective memory, a sign of gratitude and reverence for those who are no longer with us but remain forever in the nation's heart.
At the “Yednannia” (Unity) humanitarian hub of Pokrovsk City Military Administration in Sheptytskyi, an educational and informational event took place. Participants viewed a presentation on the topic of captivity during the Russian-Ukrainian war and engaged in a heartfelt discussion where everyone could share thoughts and emotions.
At “YaMariupol” support centers for IDPs, memory corners were created — spaces where candles were lit in remembrance of those who did not return. Master classes were held for making paper angels, symbolizing hope and remembrance. These angels were hung on trees as a living tribute.
Additionally, representatives of the hubs and centers, along with Donetsk residents, took part in requiem rallies, laid flowers at memorials and commemorative sites, and observed a moment of silence to honor every defender who gave their life for Ukraine’s independence, freedom, and future.
As we honor the memory of the heroes who laid down their lives for liberty, we also bow to today’s defenders who steadfastly hold the line.
Let us remain worthy of our Heroes!