In Lviv, Ukrainian Volunteer Day was observed, during which 35 defenders were posthumously awarded the city honour, “Saint George’s Honourary Badge”. The ceremony took place in the main session hall of the Lviv City Council, as reported by 7prykordonnyi.karpatskyi.zahin. They commemorated the memory of the fallen, among whom were servicemen of the 3rd Border Guard Unit named after Hero of Ukraine, Colonel Yevhenii Pikusa.
Flags of all branches of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were displayed in the hall, and a candle was lit in honour of the heroes. The ceremony began with the singing of the Ukrainian National Anthem and a minute’s silence. Families of the fallen participated in the event. Soldier Victor Kirmarov passed away on 26 January 2024 from wounds sustained during combat, and his wife and son received the award.
Senior Sergeant Andrii Navodylo died on 3 February 2024 in battles, and his wife and daughter were posthumously awarded. Major Roman Chumak died on 9 February 2024, and his daughter received the award. The parents of Senior Soldier Ivan Masyntsia received his award, and the mother of Mykhailo Pankiv was honoured for her son.
The awards were presented by Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi, representatives of the State Border Guard Service, the National Guard, and the clergy. The memory of the fallen was honoured with a prayer, and the Lviv Choir “Homin” provided musical accompaniment.