At home and in the trenches, in peaceful and challenging times, in days of joy and sadness, each of us is accompanied by these two colors: blue—the color of the endless sky—and yellow—the color of sun-filled wheat. These colors are known worldwide today as symbols of resistance and the struggle for defining our destiny and freedom, of resistance to occupation and daily deeds to protect the most precious thing—their land. 

Today is National Flag Day. The flag’s colors have served Ukrainians for centuries, were on the banners of the principality of Galicia-Volhynia, proudly flown by the Cossack army, and became a national symbol of the struggle for independence during the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917 and beyond.

During the challenging years of Soviet occupation, the blue and yellow flag stood as a beacon of resistance, defiance, and the yearning for freedom despite the Soviet authorities’ attempts to suppress it. Yet, the blue and yellow flag ultimately triumphed, flying high over all the cities and villages of Ukraine as the nation reclaimed its independence.

From the beginning, the national flag symbolized the people’s unity. With the outbreak of Russian aggression, it became a symbol of resistance to the occupation and liberation of Ukrainian territories. 

The blue and yellow flag, carried by our military defenders returning from the battlefields in eastern, southern, and northern Ukraine, represents the courage and bravery of Ukrainian soldiers who defend the country and its people. For those living under occupation, it symbolizes trust in Ukraine’s victory and resistance to the occupation regime.

The Ukrainian flag embodies the indomitable spirit of the people standing against the enemy and restoring our statehood. It is a symbol that will surely return to all the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including liberated Crimea!

Happy Ukrainian National Flag Day!