August 24: 15th Anniversary of Ukraine's Independence

On August 24, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine proclaimed the complete independence of the Ukrainian State. Ukraine had finally broken out of the 300-year-long yoke of Russian imperialism and stepped forward to take her legitimate place among free nations.

A short time later, on December 1, 1991, the people of Ukraine overwhelmingly endorsed the decision of the Ukrainian legislature during the now-famous independence referendum. Consequently, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine announced that August 24th would be celebrated as Ukrainian Independence Day and designated a national holiday.

The National Executive of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress decided that Ukrainians in Canada should also observe this date in an appropriate manner. At the same time, the UCC urges the Ukrainian community not to forget the heroism and sacrifice associated with other important dates in the history of Ukraine such as January 22 and November 1.

Glory to Ukraine! Slava Ukraiini!