Коли ми скидаємо бронежилети,

шоломи, бушлати, куртки, рукавиці,

і їмо мандарини біля буржуйки

і робимось схожими на дітей,

я інколи думаю,

що ти десь у сусідній кімнаті.

В селі

якась жінка з місцевих

сказала дитині: «Синочку».

Але кожен із нас

озирнувся.

Artur Dron, soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

October 1 marks the Defenders Day of Ukraine, which, with the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, has acquired a new meaning for each of us. This day is, first, a holiday for those thanks to whom we preserve our independence, we can live our daily lives – raise children, work, study, communicate with family and friends. This holiday is another opportunity to thank our defenders, who with their heroism, courage and selflessness preserve the lives of millions of Ukrainians; it is an opportunity to remember and honor the exploits of those who fought for the independence of Ukraine, who are fighting for it today and who, unfortunately, gave the most precious thing for it – their lives.

The holiday was established by the Decree of the President of Ukraine dated October 14, 2014 “…to commemorate the courage and heroism of the defenders of the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the military traditions and victories of the Ukrainian people, and to promote the further strengthening of the patriotic spirit.” In 2021, the name was changed to “Defenders Day of Ukraine.” The celebration of the holiday on October 14 is quite symbolic. After all, on this day, Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. This holiday has long been revered by the Cossacks, for which it received its second name – the Cossack Protection, which is why this day is also celebrated as the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks. In addition, October 14, 1942, is considered the day of the creation of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. From 2023, Defenders' Day has been moved from October 14 to October 1 due to the transition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to the New Julian calendar.

On the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, we honor both the modern defenders of Ukraine and the heroes of the past. Today, we greet with words of gratitude those who “with the shield” and honor those who “on the shield” – gave their lives to protect the Ukrainian state from the enemy.

Happy holiday to you, dear defenders of the Motherland!

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!

Dilfuza Hlushchenko