Day of Remembrance of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred: People Who Changed the Course of History
The Heavenly Hundred are people who showed heroism, will to freedom, and love for their country. Learn about the heroism and sacrifice of those who became a symbol of the struggle for independence and democracy
The Day of Remembrance of the Heavenly Hundred is a day when Ukraine and the whole world remember the events of 20 February 2014 on Independence Square in Kyiv, when peaceful protests against the government's apostasy turned into a bloody clash with the regime's forces. This day has become a symbol of the Ukrainian people's struggle for their rights, freedom and independence.
Ukrainians have been commemorating the heroes since 2015, when this day was established by a decree of the then President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.
The Heavenly Hundred: how and what happened?
The name "Heavenly Hundred" was coined by analogy with the main structural units of the Maidan - the hundreds. Almost immediately, the media began to use this phrase.
The list of the Heavenly Hundred included demonstrators who expressed their dissatisfaction with the actions of the then leadership of the country, represented by fugitive President Viktor Yanukovych.
On 20 February, terrible events took place on Instytutska Street and in the vicinity of Maidan: 48 people were shot dead. Later, the list of the dead expanded. As early as November 2014, the list stood at 107 people, four of whom died in Donbas in the first days of the Russian-inspired separatist uprising.
Some of those included in the list of the Heavenly Hundred
The first hero, Pavlo Mazurenko, died on 22 December 2013 - he was beaten to death in Kyiv by people dressed in police uniforms. The last hero, Viktor Orlenko, died on 3 June 2015 as a result of an injury sustained on 18 February 2014 near the Trade Union Building.
It is worth noting that the youngest fallen hero, Nazariy Voitovych, was only 17 years old, and the oldest, Ivan Nakonechnyi, was 82 years old. There are also three women among the dead.
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History will not forget
On this day, we remember those who gave their lives for the ideals of democracy, human rights and freedoms, and the European future of Ukraine. These were the people who stood up to defend their country during the Revolution of Dignity that took place from November 2013 to February 2014.
The Heavenly Hundred is a symbol of the Ukrainian people's struggle for their freedom. They were ordinary people - students, doctors, teachers, engineers - who came to the Maidan to defend their country. They were of different ages, professions and religions, but they were united by their love for Ukraine and their desire for freedom.
On this day, Ukrainians honour their heroism, courage and selflessness.
The Day of Remembrance of the Heavenly Hundred is not just a day of mourning, it is a day when heroes are remembered and Ukrainians promise themselves that their sacrifice was not in vain. This is the day when the whole of Ukraine says: "No one is forgotten, nothing is forgotten".
We remind you! On 19 February, Ukrainians celebrated the Day of the National Emblem. The Ukrainian trident is a symbol of strength, independence and thirst for freedom! Its history goes back to ancient times, and respect for it is firmly rooted in the minds of our people. Read about the history of the holiday and interesting facts about the State Emblem of Ukraine here.
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