President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the festivities on the occasion of the Day of the National Flag. They took place in the village of Maryanivka, the Cherkasy region, where the art complex "Geographical Center - the Heart of Ukraine" was created specially for the 30th anniversary of our country's independence.
"On the 30th anniversary of the restoration of our independence, we will raise it right here - in the geographical center of Ukraine. This is where the heart of Ukraine beats. It is an art object surrounded by 25 steel wings representing our 24 regions and our Crimea. It is really a symbol that it is much easier to fly up and be on top together. And today thousands of our state flags will be raised in the sky at the same time. In all regions, in all cities, throughout Ukraine and abroad," the Head of State said.
The President noted that the blue and yellow flag is more than a flag, it is a symbol of our large Ukrainian family.
"It is a bridge across the centuries of independence that unites us, unites dozens of generations. It is a mentor that inspires and motivates us when we just see it. This is our guardian angel that flutters in the sky so brightly for God not to forget about each of us every day," he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the flag of Ukraine evokes a wide range of emotions: “It is a pride when our flag liberated dozens of towns and villages in Donbas. Gratitude when our flag helped extinguish fires in Turkey and Greece. Belief in life when our flag helped fight COVID-19 in Italy. Tears when our flag accompanies the fallen defenders of Ukraine to paradise. Joy when our flag is hoisted at the Olympics, flies on Everest, Mont Blanc and even in space. And for me, in addition to all this, it is also a sweet parental emotion when you look into your son's pencil case and realize that the blue and yellow felt-tip pens were the first to run out.”
The President thanked all those who make the colors of the State Flag of Ukraine known and respected in Ukraine and the world.
"These are our military, veterans, volunteers. Our doctors. Firefighters, rescuers, border guards. Our athletes, football players. Our Olympians. Our Paralympians. Our coaches. And our children's coaches. Our scientists, educators, students, artists. And most importantly - these are our citizens of Ukraine, beautiful, bright people who pay taxes, do not give bribes, do not drive drunk, do not park in places for people with disabilities, follow a healthy lifestyle and are active participants in civil society," he said. The President added that in order to strengthen the flag and independence of Ukraine, one doesn’t have to do something loud and public, it is enough to simply "be Ukrainian."
"I once again congratulate all of us on this holiday! Today we are united by a common action, a common goal: together we raise the flag and we have to raise Ukraine. Only together. And only upwards. Happy Day of the National Flag of Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
