Participants of the National Scout Organization of Ukraine and the Association of Ukrainian Guides handed over the Light of Peace from Bethlehem to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena Zelenska.
Congratulating the Head of State and the First Lady on the upcoming holidays, the representatives of the youth associations said that it was a great honor for them to pass the Light of Peace to them again.
Member of the National Scout Organization of Ukraine Natalia Strokan said that the year, which has almost come to an end, was full of various events, but in it each of us had the opportunity to choose who to be, what to believe and what to do.
"Each of us has already made his or her choice once, and we have promised to do everything in our power to honor our duty to God, Ukraine, to help others and to be true to ourselves. Thirty years ago, millions of Ukrainians chose to be independent and live in a sovereign Ukraine, which sovereignty is now defended by thousands of soldiers and volunteers, for which each of us is infinitely grateful. Given this, we would like to wish every Ukrainian in the new year to make their choice in view of love for loved ones, love for the people and our country. And we also wish everyone the light of goodness and peace, which we are happy to share with you today," she said, addressing the presidential couple.
Leader of the Association of Ukrainian Guides Maria Chopyak said that her organization is also happy to join the tradition of handing over the Light of Peace from Bethlehem.
"We congratulate you and home Ukraine on the upcoming holidays. We want all the planned events and activities to take place as easily and quickly as possible, so that all the plans are implemented. On this day, each of us hopes for some small miracle and fulfillment of desire. This year it was health and peace for Ukrainians, so let the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with love and bring peace and health to every family," she said.
After handing over the Light of Peace from Bethlehem, representatives of the scout organizations sang a traditional song.
Zelenskyy thanked for the warm greeting: "I wish each and every one of you, your families, warmth, peace and quietness, which the Light of Peace from Bethlehem symbolizes. I would like to wish this to all the families of our military who are defending us. A great army of big hearts really defends you, your future and our present, so I think they will be pleased to know that we wish warmth to their families, wherever they may be – with them on the front line or somewhere separately, but still together."
The First Lady said that the tradition of passing the Light of Peace from Bethlehem every year brings a New Year's mood to the large administrative building of the President's Office.
"When you come, you bring the light, it brings warmth, and the New Year holidays begin for everyone who works here," Olena Zelenska said.
"Thank you very much for coming for the third year in a row. Please come again and again, because this wonderful tradition connects year with another year, unites people. Congratulate your parents, grandparents and thank them for children like you," she added.
The President's wife also said that in the evening there will be an opening of a Christmas tree and a New Year's town near the President's Office, and invited young people to visit the festive location.
