23 February 2011, 09:00
To the Armed Forces Soldiers and Veterans,
And all the Citizens of Ukraine
Dear Fellow Citizens!
Please accept my sincere greetings on the occasion of the Defender of the Motherland Day.
Today we honour all the people defending their native land, protecting its dignity and liberty on different stages of our country history, in the years of the Great Patriotic War, protecting peaceful work of the Ukrainian people. With peculiar tenderness and cordiality let us greet those who continue self-devoting service to protect territorial integrity and immunity of our state, who glorify Ukraine in the international peacemaking missions.
Those who are protecting our Motherland today follow the bright examples of the past generations. However, we shall exert efforts for our young soldiers to sharpen their military skills only at the training bases of our state.
Today´s holiday, designating coming spring and great holiday Victory´s Day, remind us of all those who sacrificed their lives giving the most precious a human being have to provide the happiest future for their nation and country.
I wish you to be among the winners, prove your allegiance to the flag in word and deed. Let all the great deeds of our fathers and grandfathers encourage you and give energy and strength to make our Ukraine strong and flourishing.
Volodymyr LYTVYN