Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the flag raising in Khlyvchany
On February 21, 1990, the blue and yellow flag first fluttered in the village of Khlyvchany. Although the official date for the raising of the national symbol of Ukrainians is considered to be March 14, 1990, with the first city where the independence flag was raised being Stryi. However, this is not quite the case.
The councils of the Rukh center and the Prosvita society decided to implement a patriotic event and raise the flag of Independent Ukraine in the area of Khlyvchany on February 21, 1990.
Public gathering in Belz region
In commemoration of this event, a public gathering was held in the Belz region to mark the significant date. The event commenced with the national anthem of Ukraine, during which symbolically, at the same place as 35 years ago, the blue-yellow flag was raised.
The gathering was opened by the first deputy mayor Taras Starodub, who in his address noted that this is a great event not only for the village of Khlyvchany but also for the entire Belz region and Ukraine.
“We must remember our past, our history, which is a solid foundation for building the future of the Ukrainian state.”
Also addressing the attendees were:
- Maria Grementa, Head of the Department of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports of the Belz City Council
- Honored resident of the Belz community, poet, and one of the initiators of this event, Stepan Khomin.
- Father Fedir Mahora, the rector of the Orthodox parish of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who blessed the flag raised in 1990.
With a moment of silence, those present honored the memory of all who, at various times, gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence.
Performances by the scouts of the National Scout Organization of Ukraine PLAST from Khlyvchany included the song “People-Titans” and the “Hymn of Ukrainian Nationalists” performed by students of Khlyvchany General School.
Conclusion of the event
At the conclusion of the event, local school students unfurled a 6-meter Ukrainian flag. After the gathering, the community of Khlyvchany, participants, and guests laid flowers at the grave of the Sich Riflemen and Heroes of the Russo-Ukrainian War in the local cemetery, where Father Fedir conducted a memorial service for those who died for the freedom of the Ukrainian people.
The national flag is our historical spirit, our conscience, and resilience; it is an ever-living memory of a heroic past and an equally heroic present. With it, people have fought and continue to fight; for it, people have given and continue to give their lives, as our flag is the pride, glory, and greatness of the nation. May our flag always fly proudly over Ukraine and be a reliable protector in all our undertakings and thoughts!