On 21 November, at an interval of nine years, the two largest protests in modern Ukraine began: in 2004 – the Orange Revolution, in 2013 – the Revolution of Dignity.

The Day of Dignity and Freedom is not only memorable date in the calendar, it symbolizes Ukraine’s commitment to the ideals and principles of building a democratic state and commitment to promote freedom.

The Day of Dignity and Freedom was chosen to mark crucial moments of Ukrainian state formation, landmarks of the consolidation of the people and the embodiment of deep transformations of public consciousness.

The Orange Revolution became a marker of the formation and development of civil society in Ukraine, its readiness to defend basic democratic freedoms and human dignity, to take responsibility for its own choice.

Thanks to the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine has been given a new chance for a civilized choice, a movement towards democracy, and a cleansing from the vestiges of the totalitarian and man-hating communist past. However, unlike the events of the Orange Revolution, defending Ukraine’s dignity and freedom in the winter of 2013-2014 cost the lives and health of many Ukrainian patriots.

On this Day, we honour all those who with their own lives and sacrifices demonstrate the sincere desire of Ukrainians to live in a free, democratic and sovereign state. All of them remain in the memory of the people forever, becoming a role model for future generations.

Unity and freedom are priceless treasure, so it is our mission and duty to preserve and protect it!

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!

The protesters’ posters read: “Free to build tomorrow”