The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), Glasgow Branch, created a Book of Memory for fallen Ukrainian defenders. The collection currently contains nearly 600 names and is kept in the city’s Cathedral. Reverend Mark Johnstone, the pastor of the Presbyterian church, conceived the idea. Activists also plan to install a memorial cross in the future.
“The initiative arose after churchgoer Anna Yunge shared the story of her brother, a fighter who died in Mariupol. This tragic story inspired the creation of the Book of Memory to honor the names of fallen Ukrainian warriors, as well as the idea of installing a memorial cross in their honor after the war ends,” the text says.
The community is also organizing a memorial service, “Honoring the Fallen Defenders,” to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence. The event is scheduled for September 29 in Glasgow.
“During the service, the names of the fallen heroes enshrined in the Book of Remembrance will be read aloud. This book will remain in the cathedral as an eternal symbol of respect and gratitude to our fallen defenders who fought for Ukraine’s freedom and independence,” the text continues.
The event is dedicated to the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, which has been officially recognized in Ukraine since 2014. “It honors the courage and heroism of Ukrainian soldiers defending Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity and fosters a patriotic spirit in society. Defender’s Day has been moved to October 1 due to the transition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to the New Julian calendar,” the community added.
Honoring the fallen defenders is not just about religion or tradition, emphasizes the AUGB Glasgow Branch. “It’s about gratitude and our collective responsibility to remember the cost of Ukraine’s future. Each of us can contribute to supporting the army and bringing victory closer,” the activists conclude.
Names of fallen loved ones can be added to the Book of Memory via the provided link.
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