Mykolaiv Honors Heavenly Hundred Heroes with Memorial Event

In Mykolaiv, the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred were honored by laying flowers at the memorial sign and observing a minute of silence. This day reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of citizens who died for the freedom and European future of Ukraine.

This was reported by the press service of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration.

On February 20, a memorial event was held in Mykolaiv on the occasion of the Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes. The event was attended by representatives of the authorities, the military, volunteers, law enforcement officers, and city residents. Participants honored the memory of the heroes who gave their lives during the Revolution of Dignity with a minute of silence and laid flowers at the memorial.

Vitaliy Kim, Head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, addressed the audience and emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes.

"The Heavenly Hundred Heroes are a symbol of national courage and self-sacrifice. This place unites us in a common memory. Many Mykolaiv residents come here to honor the fallen. This demonstrates our unity and strength as a people," Kim said.

The Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes is celebrated annually on February 20 in accordance with the Presidential Decree of February 11, 2015, in honor of the citizens who died during the Revolution of Dignity, defending democratic ideals, human rights and the European future of Ukraine, and who changed the course of our country's history.

At that time, the largest number of people died in the center of the Ukrainian capital - 48. They, along with the other 54 killed and fatally wounded participants of peaceful protests during the winter of 2013-2014 and five Maidan activists who died in 2014 defending Ukraine's democratic values and territorial integrity, were named the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. February 2014 also marked the first act of armed aggression against Ukrainian citizens.

In January, a memorial event dedicated to the International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was held near the memorial sign to the victims of the Holocaust. On this day, educational and cultural institutions of the region held thematic events commemorating one of the most horrific pages of human history.

Last December, 49 streets in Mykolaiv were renamed in honor of the fallen defenders of Ukraine and prominent citizens, including military personnel who defended the country's independence. In addition, the city plans to install books of remembrance dedicated to those who died in the war. Funding is being sought from international partners, and electronic versions of these books are planned to be created in every district of the city and in schools next year.

Анна Бальчінос