21 November – Hydra and Freedom Day

Every year, on November 21, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Hydity and Freedom, a holiday that became a symbol of vagueness, patriotism and human rights struggle. This day, when we recall events that have always changed Ukraine and its people. How these events affected the country and why this day is important for every Ukrainian?

Story

The Day of Dignity and Liberty is established in honor of two key events in the modern history of Ukraine:

• Orange Revolution (2004): A peaceful protest against falsifications in the election, which became a symbol of democracy.
• Revolution of Dignity (2013-2014): The massive protests that began due to the failure of the then government to sign the Association Agreement with the EU, and broke into a large-scale movement for law, freedom and European future.

The decree on the establishment of the holiday was signed in 2014 by the then president of Ukraine, and since November 21 became the day when Ukrainians mention heroism and sacrifices brought for freedom.

Dignity Revolution: fracture momentum

The Revolution of Dignity became a turning moment in the history of Ukraine. Starting as a student protest at the Maidan Independence in Kiev, she quickly gained rotations and became a Ukrainian movement. The main requirements of the protesters were:

• Signing the Association Agreement with the European Union;
• Fighting corruption;
• Civil rights and freedom of citizens;
• Change of authoritarian mode.

Despite the peaceful nature of the stocks, the government applied against the protesters of force, which only strengthened resistance. The events of January–February 2014 became tragic: over 100 people were killed during the confrontation. Heavenly hundred.

Symbols and Values

Dignity and Liberty Day are more than just the date in the calendar. This is a reminder of values based on Ukrainian identity:

1. Dignity

Dignity is that each citizen is defined as free and independent. This feeling combined Ukrainians during the revolution.

2. Freedom

Liberty of the word, choice, religion – these rights became a cornerstone of protests. Ukrainians proved to be ready to fight for their freedom even the price of their own life.

3. Unity

Events in Maidan showed that Ukrainians could merge for a common purpose, regardless of language, region, or social status.

Liberty Day and Liberty Day

On this day, all over the country hosts events dedicated to the memory of the lost heroes and the honor of all who fight for freedom. The main traditions include:

• Release of flowers to the memorials of Heavenly Hundreds;
• Prayers and Minutes of Silence;
• Exhibitions, lectures and round tables about the events of Maidan;
• Organization of peace marches and stocks.

Many Ukrainians also use this day for self-education and thought of how they can contribute to the development of democratic society.

International review

The Day of Dignity and Liberty became a symbol of fighting for democratic values not only in Ukraine but also in the world. Many countries expressed support for the Ukrainian people during protests and after them. Maidan's events became an example for other peoples seeking change and justice.

Release

November 21 is a day that resembles us about the price of freedom and the importance of fighting for their own rights. Ukrainians proved that dignity and freedom are not empty words, but the principles that should be protected. This day encourages us to remember the lessons of the past, be strong before the challenges of the present day, and see the hope of the future.

"Freely nothing worthy if it doesn't include freedom to mistake." – Mahatma Gandhi
The Day of Dignity and Freedom is not only about the past, but also about the future of Ukraine that we do together.



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