For a thousand years we have been fighting for our freedom and independence. In this struggle we have suffered irreparable sacrifices, the best sons and daughters of our native Ukraine have died and are dying. We do not forget and remember them – the Heroes of Krut – whose Memorial Day we celebrated recently in January, and today, February 20, is the Day of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. This day is celebrated in Ukraine to honor the feat of the participants of the Revolution of Dignity and to perpetuate the memory of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. The memorial day was established by the Decree of the President of Ukraine on February 11, 2015 "in order to perpetuate the great human, civic and national courage and selflessness, the strength of spirit and resilience of citizens, thanks to which the course of the history of our state was changed, to honor the feat of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, who gave their lives during the Revolution of Dignity (November 2013 - February 2014), defending the ideals of democracy, upholding human rights and freedoms, and the European future of Ukraine." On this day in 2014, during the Eurorevolution on Instytutska Street in Kyiv, the security forces of the Yanukovych regime shot protesters. In total, there were up to a hundred victims during the day, who were called the "Heavenly Hundred." At 22:17, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution "On condemnation of the use of violence that led to the death of peaceful citizens of Ukraine," a number of government representatives announced their transition to the side of the people. February 20 was a turning point in the course of the events of the Revolution of Dignity.

The sad list of the Heavenly Hundred opened on January 22, 2014, when Maidan activists Serhii Nihoian and Mykhailo Zhyznevskyi died from gunshot wounds during clashes in the center of the capital. On the same day, the body of activist Yurii Verbytskyi was found in a forest near Kyiv with traces of torture. By February 18, 2014, there were already 9 dead. From February 18 to 21, the most people died on the Maidan – 84 heroes, after February 21 – another 18.

In addition to Ukrainians, the victims of the Yanukovych regime were Belarusians, Armenians and Georgians. All of them were included in the memorial of fighters for Ukrainian Independence – the Heavenly Hundred. The 104th Hero of the Heavenly Hundred was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine by the President of Ukraine, and three foreigners (a citizen of Belarus, Mykhailo Zhiznevskyi, and Georgians, Zurab Khurtsia and David Kipiani) were posthumously awarded the orders of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.

On February 17, 2021, the Verkhovna Rada recognized the Revolution of Dignity as one of the key moments of Ukrainian statehood and an expression of the national idea of freedom. The unification of Ukrainians in 2014 made it possible to defend their rights, freedoms and values. On the occasion of the Day of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, said the following: “A free European Ukraine. This is the goal that Ukrainians defended during the Revolution of Dignity. And for this goal, the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred gave their lives. The unity of Ukrainians in 2014 prevented our state from turning away from the civilized, democratic, European path of development. Despite intimidation, despite the criminal orders of the regime, the people united and defended their rights, freedoms and values.

Our imaginary history textbook, by which we lived and live, and which inspires us for a new, civilized life, consists of heroic and priceless pages about the extraordinary devotion and courage of many (not alone!) Great people. Great people who stand for Ukraine. In 2014, we accepted the first battle, where we won. The battles for our peaceful sky, for our future are still ongoing. Now the whole country feels more than ever what was on the hearts of our Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred when they defended their ideals in 2014. And if it weren’t difficult for us now, we will cope, we will win, because Justice and Providence are behind us! Glory and eternal memory to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred and their followers – the heroes of Donetsk Airport, Mariupol and Bakhmut!

As the poet Vasyl Starostenko said:

And although this battle is still going on
In this difficult time for Ukraine
One hope warms the heart
The Heavenly Hundred prays for us!

Volodymyr HRECHENKO – professor of Ukrainian history