Ukraine is celebrating the 32nd anniversary of the raising of the national flag over the Verkhovna Rada building. On that day, citizens greeted the new flag with their hands over their hearts, while the old flag was sent off with shouts of "Shame!" Find out how the ceremony of raising the main symbol of Ukraine took place and what made the then president remove the old symbol from the dome of the parliament

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September 4, 1991, will remain forever engraved in the history of Ukraine as the day when the blue and yellow flag was raised over the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. This symbol of Ukraine's independence and state sovereignty embodies many meanings and historical vicissitudes. Here is the history of this day and facts about the main symbol of Ukrainian independence.

Exactly 32 years ago

The events of this day took place during a period of active political and social transformations associated with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Ukraine was on the threshold of a new era, when the young country sought independence and self-determination. At this crucial moment, its political leaders made an important decision: to raise the blue and yellow flag over the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

The raising of the flag was a symbolic act that gave the state a new look and reaffirmed its independence. This flag, which consisted of blue and yellow colors, had deep historical roots and symbolized the aspirations of the Ukrainian people for freedom and independence.

It is worth noting that the flag was raised over the parliament building only 10 days after Ukraine's independence was declared.

How did it happen?

At 6 p.m. Kyiv time, Ukrainians around the parliament saw a red and blue flag descending on the dome. Soon after, two flags were raised into the sky: red and blue and blue and yellow, which caused extreme indignation among those present.

The then President Leonid Kravchuk had an urgent conversation with the deputies, after which he ordered the flag of the Ukrainian SSR to be lowered. Then a real celebration began near the walls of the Verkhovna Rada: people sang the national anthem and threw the deputies over their heads. And when the symbol of the Ukrainian SSR was removed, citizens shouted the slogan "Shame!".

Two weeks later, the Presidium of the Verkhovna Rada granted the blue and yellow flag official status, and a few months later, parliamentarians adopted a resolution on the national flag.

The blue and yellow flag finally marked the beginning of a new state without a referendum.

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The meaning of the Ukrainian flag

The blue color of the flag represented the clear sky, and the yellow color represented a field of grain, which was a symbol of wealth and prosperity. These colors were not accidental, they reflected the core values and ambitions of the Ukrainian people in their quest for their own statehood.

The blue and yellow flag has become a symbol of many significant events in the history of Ukraine. Later, this flag became the national flag of Ukraine, strengthening its place among the state symbols. It became a symbol of independence, pride and freedom of the Ukrainian people.

Today, the blue and yellow colors, which primarily symbolize courage and thirst for independence, adorn many state and public events. The flag is a reminder of Ukraine's historic path to independence and self-determination, as well as the strength and national unity of the Ukrainian people.

Thus, September 4, 1991 became a day that embodies the spirit and aspirations of the Ukrainian people for independence and freedom. The raising of the blue and yellow flag over the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine symbolized the beginning of a new era in the country's history, and this flag continues to be an important symbol of Ukraine's national identity and state sovereignty.

We remind you! Every year, on the eve of Independence Day - August 23 - Ukrainians celebrate the National Flag Day. Read more about the importance of this holiday, the meaning and history of the national flag of Ukraine here.

Photo: Reuters

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