Ukraine celebrating Defender Day
On October 14, Ukrainians celebrate the Defender Day and the Protection of Our Most Holy Lady.
Ukraine's Defender Day was officially established on October 14, 2014 by a presidential decree "in order to honor the courage and heroism of the defenders of Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity, military traditions and victories of the Ukrainian people, foster the further strengthening of patriotic spirit in society and support the initiative of the Ukrainian public."
The urgent need for such a national holiday that would replace the Soviet Defender of the Fatherland Day, which was marked on February 23, was particularly acute after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and the beginning of hostilities in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, when the trends of decommunization – refusal from Soviet symbols and holidays – strengthened in Ukrainian society as a reaction to Russia's armed aggression.
The date of October 14 was not chosen by chance. On this day Ukraine also marks Protection of Our Most Holy Lady, the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks, as well as the anniversary of the creation of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). From ancient times, Our Most Holy Lady was a patron of the Ukrainian Cossacks and all Ukrainian armed groups.
Source: Ukrinform