Every day at 9:00 a.m. in Ukraine, a nationwide moment of silence is observed to honour the memory of those who lost their lives as a result of Russia’s armed aggression. The decree on the nationwide moment of silence was signed on March 16, 2023: “Let us honour with bright remembrance all those who gave their lives due to the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine!

 

 

Let us remember the Heroes who fought and died for our future, the innocent children, the peaceful Ukrainians, and all our compatriots! We remember! We will not forgive! We will prevail! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!



Taking into account the ideology of Ukrainian nationalism, “remembrance” is not merely about “remembering and not forgetting”; it pertains to the fifth commandment of the Decalogue: “Avenge the death of great knights.” Remembrance in Ukrainian nationalism is profound, active, and directly linked to the struggle against the Russian enemy. It is not only a tribute to the fallen but also a quest for justice and the restoration of our Nation’s dignity.

 

 

To quote the prayer of a Ukrainian nationalist: “Let the clanging of chains and the creaking of gallows ring out to me on gloomy mornings; bring me the screams of those tortured in dungeons, prisons, and places of exile… to avenge the shame of bondage, the trampled honour, the mockery of Your executioners, the innocent blood of those slaughtered at Bazaar, Kruty, in Kingir and Vorkuta, the heroic deaths of the heroes of the Ukrainian Nation, of the Ukrainian National Revolution... and thousands of others unknown to us, whose bones lie scattered or secretly buried,” it becomes clear that this is indeed a powerful call to action. The prayer reminds us of the horrors our ancestors endured and that their sacrifices must not be forgotten. The clanging of chains and the creaking of gallows are symbols of the terror faced by Ukrainians. The author of the prayer, Osyp Mashchak, turns to the memory of the fallen to strengthen his faith and resolve in the struggle. Here, one senses not only pain but also a deep national passion that drives a desire for vengeance and justice. This is not merely a remembrance of the past, but a call to continue the fight for freedom and dignity. 

 

 

Every day, when we remember the fallen heroes, we not only honour their memory but also reaffirm our commitment to carry on their legacy. Each fallen hero has become a symbol not only of courage but also of the ideals for which they fought. In Ukraine, we see how the spirit of these heroes continues to live on in each of us. In their memory, we strive to create something new. For every fallen hero, a dozen new initiatives emerge, and this can be seen in many ways. For example, inspired by the heroes’ example, people are opening new bookstores that become centers of culture and education, where the memory of our fallen is preserved and their ideas are spread. We also see local schools introducing programs that honour the memory of the fallen and teach children the values of freedom and dignity. Children have the opportunity to learn about the history of our struggle and the courage of those who gave their lives for our independence.

 

 

The war has changed not only the face of our cities, but also the very essence of our society. People who previously worked in civilian professions are now joining the military, choosing to defend their homeland as their new calling and an opportunity to avenge the fallen. This shows that within each of us lies the determination to continue the struggle inspired by our fallen heroes. Our fight for freedom, dignity, and justice continues, and each of us, by fulfilling our duty, is part of this great movement. We remember those who have died, and we promise to carry on their work, honouring their memory not only with words but also with concrete actions.

 

 

So, every morning during the moment of silence, we not only remember the fallen but also realize that their struggle lives on in us. We become a source of hope for new generations, ready to fight for their country, for their identity, and for a bright future. Our strength lies in unity, remembrance, and determination!