The Heavenly Hundred honoured at WUNU
Today, West Ukrainian National University paid tribute to the memory of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred.
The events of the Revolution of Dignity left a deep scar on the university community. In autumn 2013, life at the university continued as usual: lectures, seminars, research work. But at the same time, students and teachers felt a growing urge to take action. At first, there were conversations in the lecture halls, then the first groups set off for the Theatre Square in Ternopil. Soon, a large column of young people and teachers marched through the streets of the city with blue and yellow flags, declaring their desire to live in a free European state.
Hundreds of university representatives travelled to Kyiv, to Independence Square, to support the fight for European values. Instead of the usual classes, there were barricades; instead of lecture notes, there were homemade shields. This is how the new Ukraine was forged.
Some came home after a few days, but others never made it back...
At the end of February, Ukraine was shaken by tragic events. The bloody February, riddled with bullets on Instytutska Street, made the whole country shudder with pain. It was then that many realised that the country would never be the same again.
Today, the hearts of Ukrainians continue to pound in the rhythm of the struggle for independence. The university community remembered the slogans of the Revolution of Dignity and the names of those who gave their lives for Ukraine. Special words of gratitude and remembrance were spoken in honour of Taras Slobodian, a Hero of the Heavenly Hundred, graduate, and university employee. After completing his studies, he continued his research work in graduate school and was preparing to defend his dissertation. He sacrificed his life for the freedom of our country.
WUNU students laid flowers at the Hero's memorial plaque, honouring his bright memory. During the event, the song ‘Plyne Kacha po Tysyni’ was performed with sorrow by WUNU students Iryna Shehada and Bohdan Andriychuk. The event was hosted by Yurii Dziula and Oksana Kichak.
On this day, people in Ukraine and far beyond its borders remember the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred at memorials and commemorative walkways. Many hold paper angels created by children and adults. They hang them on trees, as if bringing home the souls of those who became symbols of the Ukrainian people's indomitability.
