Today, Ukraine celebrates Remembrance Day of the defenders who died in the struggle for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. It was established by the Decree of the President of Ukraine to perpetuate heroism of the servicemen and volunteers who gave their lives for their Motherland.
On August 29, 2014, in sunflower fields near Ilovaisk, in the course of withdrawal of the anti-terrorist operation forces from the russian encirclement, the enemy armed forces shot a column of Ukrainian military with heavy weapons. At that time 366 Ukrainian soldiers perished, 429 were injured, 158 went missing, 300 were captured, and a sunflower became a symbol to remember the courage and valor of our heroes.
On the occasion of the memorable day rector of the Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs Serhii Vitvitskyi took part in the citywide events in Kropyvnytskyi. Heads of the Kirovograd region and the city of Kropyvnytskyi, law enforcement bodies, the military, veterans, family members of the defenders honored the memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine.
Cadets of the DonSUIA stretched a banner with the slogan “Glory to the Heroes!” on the Square of the Maidan Heroes to remind all Ukrainians whom we owe our lives.
Higher education seekers, headed by the University rector Serhii Vitvitskyi, vice-rectors, representatives of the administrative staff, laid flowers at the graves of Ukraine`s defenders on the Alley of Glory in the Rivne cemetery and bowed their heads in a minute of silence in memory of the heroes.
Also that day, the National Flag of Ukraine was lowered during morning line-up at the University parade ground. Young human rights defenders were addressed by first vice-rector of the DonSUIA Yehor Nazymko and head of the regional branch of the Strongman Federation of Ukraine and the Kirovograd Regional Center for preparing the population for national resistance Oleksii Chyzh. They emphasized that the memory of the heroes is imperishable, and their example should always inspire for new achievements in order to preserve and build an independent Ukraine.
Those present took off their hats as a sign of respect for the victims and laid flowers at the memorial sign.
Heroes do not die until the memory of them lives!
