In Lviv, at Lychakiv Cemetery, a ceremonial event was held to mark the 108th anniversary of the founding of the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic. Representatives of the regional and city authorities, councillors, military personnel, young people and members of the public took part in the commemoration.
Participants in the ceremony laid flowers at the Memorial to the Soldiers of the Ukrainian Galician Army and lit candles at the graves of figures of the Ukrainian national liberation movement. In particular, they honoured the memory of Dmytro Vitovsky, State Secretary for Military Affairs of the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic, Mykhailo Halushchynsky, commander of the Sich Riflemen, Oleksandr Tysovsky, founder and leader of “Plast”, and Stepan Levytsky, a soldier of the Ukrainian Galician Army.
During the event, the Halych Academic Chamber Choir performed the song “Oi, u luzi”, and the orchestra of the Hetman Petro Sahaidachny National Army Academy, together with the choir, performed the State Anthem of Ukraine. Clergy held a requiem service for the fallen fighters for Ukraine’s freedom.
Those present were addressed by Doctor of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of History, Museum Studies and Cultural Heritage of the Lviv Polytechnic National University, Ivan Khoma, who recalled the significance of the events of the November Uprising and the proclamation of the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic for Ukrainian statehood.
After the main part of the ceremony, participants proceeded to the grave of the President of the Ukrainian National Council of the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic, Yevhen Petrushevych, where they also laid flowers, lit candles and paid tribute to the statesman and political figure.
“I thank the soldiers of the Ukrainian Galician Army. I thank all generations of Ukrainians who at different times have fought for our freedom and statehood. This struggle continues. That is why today our gratitude and deep respect also go to our current Defenders, women and men alike. To those who right now are continuing this struggle and paying the highest price for Ukraine’s right to exist,” said Yurii Kholod, Acting Chair of the Lviv Regional Council