Uzhgorod. As one (PHOTOS)

This morning, on Narodna Square in Uzhgorod, they solemnly raised the state flag – on the occasion of the holiday, which precedes the main state holiday – the Independence Day.

The Ukrainian Flag Day was celebrated with the anthem and in uniforms: the event took place with the participation of military and law enforcement officers. In addition to official speeches, there also were the most needed and most emotional words. Lieutenant Colonel Petro Marko, who recently returned from the front, spoke to the people, saying: in 1991 year we won the state without paying a large price, and we are paying this debt now, unfortunately, with blood. And the words of our national anthem "we’ll give body and soul for our freedom" are the most relevant now. And right now, these boys – of the same age as our state and even younger than our independence – are doing it in the East… 

Then, they honored Uzhgorod soldiers killed in the ATO – with a moment of silence and awards – posthumously… The mother of Oleksandr Popadynets and the wife of Serhiy Martin received medals for courage of the third degree.

The meeting participants laid flowers not only to the monuments to Shevchenko, Voloshin, but also on the Hill of Glory – to the graves of the latest victims of the struggle for freedom of Ukraine.

So let us be with the defenders of the state in our thoughts and prayers. Despite the early time, many Uzhgorod residents came to the square in embroided shirts and with national symbols. Tomorrow in the city, there will be many activities to celebrate the Independence Day, and the holiday will probably be sad as never before. And it will begin at dawn with a very special event.