The representatives of the “Ukrainian Association of Patriots – UKROP” throughout Ukraine joined the celebration of the Day of the National Flag.
Thus, the chairman of Vinnytsya regional organization of UKROP, deputy of the Regional Council Hryhoriy Zozulya took part in the solemn raising of the blue-yellow flag. It took place at 9:00 am near Vinnytsya City Council, on the Independence Square.
“The national flag is a symbol of Ukraine’s independence. Holding it in the hands our predecessors fought for the freedom of our state in the ancient times. Today our fighters also go to battle with it,” emphasized Hryhoriy Zozulya.
Besides, the UKROP member joined commemoration of fighters for Ukraine’s independence and laid flowers to the memorial of Glory and the memorial sign to the Heaven’s Hundred and fallen ATO participants.
The famous Ukrainian writer Vasyl Shklyar also took part in the events on the occasion of the Flag Day. On August 23, the UKROP member visited Ternopil, where he presented his new book “Troscha”. On the Theater Square of the city, Vasyl Shklyar, together with children and ATO participant Volodymyr Grytsyna he raised the consecrated blue-yellow flag.
The UKROP representatives in Zakarpattya on the Day of the National Flag received awards: Mykhailo Lisitsky received a reward from Vynohradivsky District State Administration, and the head of UKROP in Zakarpattya Vlasta Negrya – was awarded by the President of Ukraine “for Humanitarian Participation in the Antiterrorist Operation”.
Meanwhile, in Vinogradiv, the head of the local branch of the “Ukrainian Association of Patriots”, Yevhen Ukhac, along with the party fellow Mykhailo Lisitsky, took part in laying flowers to Taras Shevchenko monument, the parade of vyshyvankas (embroidered clothes) and celebrations on the occasion of the Flag Day on the Square of Peace.
In Uzhgorod, on Petofi Square, the UKROP members set up a photo session for the city residents on the background of a blue-yellow flag. Many tourists also participated in it.
“The purpose of today’s action is to leave good memories about the holiday and to reinforce their patriotism on the eve of the Independence Day of Ukraine,” said Roman Zaviysky, head of UKROP in Uzhgorod.
And in Zhytomyr, almost 50 UKROP representatives celebrated the Day of the National Flag, driving cars in the central streets of the city with party and blue-yellow flags.
“We aimed to show respect for the main attribute of the state – the national flag and at the same time – the desire for the movement forward, development and unity. Zhytomyr residents welcomed the emergence of festive motorcade: pedestrians smiled, and drivers were tolerant. I am sure that they have understood our message,” said Andriy Kovalyov, the chairman of Zhytomyr regional organization of the “Ukrainian Association of Patriots”.
In Mykolaiv UKROP held an action “Colors of Independence”. The representatives of the party distributed blue and yellow balls to the city residents in order to remind them about the Day of the National Flag. The little ones especially liked it.
In Kharkiv the UKROP members celebrated the Day of the National Flag and participated in parade of vyshyvankas (embroidered clothes), which took place on the city central street. For Kharkiv residents, the Flag Day is a double holiday, because August 23 is also the Day of the City. “We have got accustomed to the fact that August 23 is a double patriotic holiday. Firstly, we honor one of the state symbols and we are proud that every year we can somehow surprise the whole country. Secondly, we acknowledge our love to Kharkiv and feel unity with our hometown,” told Svitlana Polunina, the first deputy chairman of Kharkiv regional organization of the “Ukrainian Association of Patriots – UKROP”.
In the city of Krolevets, in Sumy region, the mayor from UKROP Oleksandr Bobrovytsky, party activists and local residents have streamed a large national flag in the city center, and then went along the streets with it. In this way, hundreds of people expressed their respect for the Ukrainian flag, under which the patriots fought for Ukraine’s independence and our defenders in the east are fighting now.
“Patriotism at war is a firmness and determination to overcome any obstacles on the way to victory, courage and bravery in fight against the enemy. Patriotism in everyday life is the readiness to make every effort for community prosperity. I, as well as everyone in our strong team, is and will be ready,” said Oleksandr Bobrovytsky, who participated in the ATO in 2014-2015.
In Svitlovodsk, in Kirovograd region, the Day of the National Flag and the Independence Day were celebrated with a patriotic flash mob and performances of local creative groups. More than 100 residents visited the festivities near the building of the City Council.
“These years of independence have become a test on maturity and patience for all of us. First of all, we should remember that we can change the world only if we change ourselves and our outlook. I sincerely believe in Ukraine’s bright future,” addressed Svitlovodsk Mayor, representative of the UKROP party Valentyn Kozyarchuk to the community.
