14 April 2014, 08:00
To the veterans of the Great Patriotic War,
citizens of the city of Ternopil
Dear friends!
I sincerely congratulate you on the 70th liberation anniversary from fascist occupants.
From the earliest times of Galicia-Volyn principality, your city has always been a center of struggle for freedom, independence and national self-identification of Ukrainian people.
Seven decades ago, after fierce street fighting, troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front have absolutely liberated a large railway function and important defense outpost in the direction of Lviv – the city of Ternopil, which remained occupied for almost three years.
Memory of its best daughters and sons that have paid the highest price for the Victory – their own life, will for ever live on the blessed Ternopil land. Their courage, endurance and heroism in the struggle with occupants is not subject to time.
Dear veterans! You teach us to love and preserve peace, however, at the same time, not to be afraid of defending liberty and dignity. That is why, in this complicated period for Ukraine when our state has faced serious challenges, your example is priceless.
With all my heart I wish the citizens of Ternopil sound health, welfare, optimism, cloudless sky and harmony!
Oleksandr TURCHYNOV