Angels of Heaven: Remembering the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred

On February 20th, in the village of Orativ, near the Alley of Memory and Glory, an event titled “Heavenly Hundred with faith in life went forward to gain the freedom of Ukraine” took place. This gathering honored the memory of the patriots who perished during the Revolution of Dignity and the Russian-Ukrainian war. Lampads were lit in memory of the fallen peaceful protesters, symbolizing the immortality of their heroic deeds for the democratic future of our nation.

The acting head of the Orativ village council, secretary of the village council Lesya Larionova, addressed those present. Her words resonated with the somber occasion, highlighting the importance of remembrance and the ongoing struggle for Ukraine’s sovereignty. The event served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom and independence.

To commemorate the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, participants joined the All-Ukrainian moment of silence, “Angels of Memory.” White paper angels were placed on the branches of trees, symbolically raising their wings to the sky in memory of the peaceful people who were shot on the Maidan, who fought for the freedom, dignity, and independence of Ukraine. These angels represented the souls of those who gave their lives for a better future.

The deeply mournful and unrestrained sorrow of “Plyne kacha” echoed through the air. This melody, which served as a farewell to the fallen Maidan activists in 2014, has been announcing the heavy losses in the bloody war for eleven years, meeting our Heroes “on a shield.” The song serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing conflict and the price of freedom.

Let us never forget the high price at which our freedom and independence are gained. The memory of the Heavenly Hundred and all those who have fallen in the fight for Ukraine must be kept alive, inspiring future generations to defend the values of democracy and national sovereignty.