On August 23, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) traditionally joins Ukraine and Ukrainians worldwide in celebrating one of our most important holidays – the Ukrainian National Flag Day.
Deeply rooted in Ukraine’s ancient history, the blue-and-yellow national flag has been a source of national inspiration and admiration for Ukrainians for over a century. The first traces of blue-and-yellow flags are found in the times of Kyivan Rus, and on March 22, 1918, this flag was, for the first time, officially adopted as the national flag of the Ukrainian National Republic.
During the years of Soviet rule, the blue-and-yellow flag was prohibited. However, despite Soviet oppression, many Ukrainian families secretly kept the blue-and-yellow flags as home relics. The most daring Ukrainian patriots used this flag to commit acts of public sabotage against the Soviet government – such as, for example, the “May 1 Incident,” when dissidents Viktor Kuksa and Heorhii Moskalenko raised the Ukrainian national flag above the Kyiv Economic University on May 1, 1966.
Following the restoration of Ukraine’s independence in 1991, the blue-and-yellow flag was finally again re-established as the country’s national symbol.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale unprovoked genocidal invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian national flag gained even deeper symbolism: it became a globally recognized symbol of bravery, freedom, and resilience. With this flag, the people of Ukraine continue their struggle for a sovereign Ukraine today. With this flag, the brave Ukrainian men and women defend democratic values, fighting and dying on the battlefield. With this flag, Ukrainians keep surprising the world with their limitless bravery, perseverance, and loyalty.
Today, the blue and yellow colors are more than just a flag – they demonstrate the Ukrainians’ will to live in a democratic, free, and just society as opposed to the darkness and ruthlessness of Russian tyranny.
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Heroes!
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