14 October 2017, 09:00
Dear Fellow Citizens,
This day, October the 14th, is a majestic and important holiday for each and every Ukrainian. The Holy Virgin Protection has from time immemorial been regarded as the day of Ukrainian warriors-defenders, the day to honour the heroes, those heroes who are now fighting for freedom and life of dignity for their nation, for their people, those who gave their lives for the sake of Ukraine.
The history of Ukraine has a number of terrible pages and great pages about the deeds and triumphs of our warriors. For centuries, the best sons and daughters of the Ukraine have stood for their homeland from alien intervention. Since the Cossack times, it is traditional in our country that the protectors have been honoured on the Day of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary, who has always been regarded as a spiritual guide for the Ukrainian soldiers.
Once again in its history Ukraine is having times of distress. Ukrainians, as before, are protecting their Motherland. We will never forget the time when with the onset of hostilities in the east of the country, thousands of officers, the Armed Forces, volunteer battalions and other military units stood up to protect the country against the Russian aggression. The defenders with dignity warded off the onslaught of the enemy. The enemy's armed aggression has given birth to new lines of heroes who will forever be in our memory.
Ukraine is growing stronger with every passing day. Over the past 4 years, the country has completely renovated its Armed Forces. The Ukrainian Army is today a powerful modern European army capable of performing the toughest tasks. Reforming of the Army is among the foremost priorities of the Ministers aimed to ensure that our army meets all basic NATO standards, and Ukraine joins the Alliance very soon.
According to the Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the new quality of the army became possible due to the national solidarity of Ukrainians, the courage and patriotism of Ukrainian soldiers and officers, volunteers, engineers and workers of defense enterprises of Ukraine.
The Chairman of the Parliament expressed his words of sincere gratitude to all servicemen for heroism, courage, self-sacrifice, patriotism and loyalty to the military oath on behalf of the entire Ukrainian nation.
“I congratulate all our soldiers on the holiday! I express my profound respect to all those who is defending the country’s borders, to those who have again asserted there is no one to raze and defeat Ukrainians! I do believe a great European future, no doubt, awaits our country!”
Glory to Ukraine!
Glory to the heroes!