You're reading: President takes part in celebration of the 67th anniversary of the UPA

In Kolky village, Volyn region President laid flowers at the memorials "Kolky Republic" and "To Fighters for Freedom of Ukraine”.

Within the framework of his working visit to Volyn region President Victor Yushchenko took part in the celebration of the 67th anniversary of the UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army) and the 65th of Ukrainian Supreme Liberation Council. In Kolky village, Volyn region President laid flowers at the memorials “Kolky Republic” and “To Fighters for Freedom of Ukraine”, President’s press service reported.

Congratulating the guests on the outstanding dates Victor Yushchenko noted that the insurgent Kolky Republic was a vivid illustration of the heroism of soldiers of the UPA, who liberated five districts of Volyn region of the Fascists in the spring of 1943. He also stressed that it was a particular example of the awakening of Ukrainian national consciousness and the struggle for the establishment of our independent state.

The President expressed gratitude to the heroes who fought for Ukraine in different armies, for a strong lesson that they gave the Ukrainian nation. “I would like such profound moral examples be present not only in the Kolky, in western Ukraine, but that it became the norm for the whole of Ukraine. It is time for us to understand that we are Ukrainians and we are one. History cannot separate those who fought for the independence of this country “, said Victor Yushchenko.

Also the President took part in the ceremony of laying flowers at the monument to “Soviet soldiers who died during the Second World War.

After the celebrations President talked with local residents – veterans of the war.