On Independence Day of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the "Golden Star" orders to servicemen whom the title of Hero of Ukraine was conferred upon, as well as to members of the families of fallen Heroes. The Head of State also presented other state awards.
The ceremony took place in the courtyard of the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv.
The Head of State congratulated everyone on the holiday and thanked those present and everyone who has been defending the independence of our state during six months of brutal full-scale war with Russia, eight years of heroic defense in Donbas and all the years of fighting for Ukraine.
The participants of the event honored the memory of all Ukrainian men and women who gave their lives for the independence of our country with a moment of silence.
"Our people have passed many ordeals, resisted evil, and today we can say with confidence that we will preserve Ukraine's independence forever. We will preserve it, because we have such warriors. We will preserve it, because we have such citizens. We will preserve it, because we have such unity. We will preserve it, because we all have an understanding of what and whom we are fighting for," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President emphasized that Ukraine does not want to take away what doesn’t belong to it and subjugate other peoples.
"We are fighting for Ukrainian children to be free on Ukrainian soil, have the right to their happiness and the opportunity to realize this right," he said.
According to the Head of State, when the people, the state and the Armed Forces who are defending their country have a clear goal, victory becomes inevitable.
"Because light always overcomes darkness. Ukraine will definitely win. And the day will surely come when we will congratulate each other on our most important goal, on this result - on the victory that you gain with your historic struggle," Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced.
In addition, the Head of State presented the orders "For Courage", "For Merit", the medal "For Labor and Achievements", the Order of Princess Olga. Honorary titles "Honored Teacher of Ukraine" and "Honored Doctor of Ukraine" were also awarded.
