Dignity and Freedom Day

Every year on November 21, Ukraine celebrates Dignity and Freedom Day, the anniversary of the beginning of two revolutions: the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity of 2013, which at different times significantly influenced political events in Ukraine.

It was in November that Ukrainians came to the Independence Square to demonstrate their disagreement with the political processes in the country and change the course of history.

On November 22, 2004, peaceful protests began in protest of the results of the second round of the presidential elections in Ukraine. This action lasted about two months, was attended by almost half a million people, and ended with a second round of elections.

On November 21, 2013, Ukrainians came to the Square again. This time, citizens disagreed with the government’s decision to suspend preparations for signing an association agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. Protests continued in other cities. On the night of November 29-30, force was used to disperse an opposition tent camp. During the three months of the Revolution of Dignity, protesters demanded a return to European integration and an end to the use of force against peaceful people.

The culmination of the conflicts between the authorities and the government was the events of February 18-21, 2014 – the shooting of more than 100 peaceful protesters by armed security forces. Later, the fallen heroes would be called the Heavenly Hundred.

These turbulent tragic events showed that Ukrainians know how to defend their honor and dignity by going out to peaceful protests.

And today they are courageously defending their country from Russian invaders who encroached on our dignity, freedom and independence.

Our State has a difficult fate.

Glory to all Heroes!