Diana Kotsyuba, Vice President, UNYF Edmonton.
Canadians make sacrifices in conflicts and peacekeeping missions across the globe every day, and Ukraine is no exception. From the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and even earlier, during the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has been among the foremost nations offering unwavering support to Ukraine in its time of need. This global solidarity exemplifies the best of humanity and is a testament to our growth in and capacity for unity. A united world is an ideal we must continually strive toward. Defending freedom and justice, no matter where the battle unfolds, is a shared responsibility that transcends borders and must remain a priority for us all.
Every November 11th, Canada observes Remembrance Day – a solemn occasion to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War and other conflicts since then. It is a time to reflect on courage, resilience, and the defense of democracy. For the Ukrainian community, this day resonates deeply, reminding us of the purpose of memory and the necessity of gratitude.
Ukraine’s current fight for its freedom mirrors the spirit of Canada’s Remembrance Day. The word “resilience” could be synonymous with Ukraine's history – a story shaped by centuries of oppression, over a decade of war, and nearly three years of unwavering resistance against full-scale aggression. Ukrainians understand the immense cost of freedom, independence, and life without war. Thus, this context intensifies our appreciation for those who safeguard liberty and remember the sacrifices that have been made.
It is with this spirit that UNYF Edmonton continues its tradition of organizing a rally in honour of Remembrance Day, and this year was no exception. On November 10th, the organization hosted a candlelight vigil, and an evening of remembrance dedicated to all victims of war, paying tribute to those who defended Canada and taking the opportunity to also recognize those who are currently defending Ukraine's freedom.
As Ukrainians, we are acutely aware of the sacrifices being made by our defenders at this very moment. These shared experiences of struggle bind us closer to Canada, a nation that has stood by Ukraine, becoming a beacon of hope in one of its darkest hours through humanitarian aid, military support, and providing refuge to displaced families fleeing aggression and seeking safety. The Ukrainian community is profoundly grateful for these acts of solidarity, which have not gone unnoticed. This gratitude inspires in us a sense of responsibility to honour those who have defended Canada and to recognize those who set a global standard for remembering and honouring veterans.
The red poppy – a symbol of remembrance and sacrifice – has found a new meaning among Ukrainians in Canada. At the rally organized by UNYF Edmonton, many attendees paired this symbol with the Ukrainian flag as a gesture of unity, respect, and gratitude. Canada and Ukraine, united by a history of sacrifice, share a profound understanding of the cost of freedom, ensuring it is never forgotten, no matter how much time has passed. During speeches, organizers emphasized the sacrifices made by Canadian veterans and how Canada’s defense of freedom continues today through its steadfast support for Ukraine. For Ukrainians, these gestures of solidarity are not just appreciated – they are vital.
As Inna Ivchenko, President of UNYF Edmonton, remarked at the rally, “Ukraine’s survival depends on the world’s continued support. The battle for freedom in Ukraine is a battle for freedom everywhere”. Ukrainian defenders are standing on the frontlines, not only for their homeland but for the ideals of democracy and freedom that unite us all. So as Canadians don their poppies and gather on Remembrance Day to honour the sacrifices of the past, we hope they will also remember the brave men and women of Ukraine, who are fighting for these very values today. Let Remembrance Day serve as a reminder of what is at stake when freedom is under attack, wherever it may be.
The speakers also stressed that the world must continue to act decisively in its support for Ukraine – through military aid, humanitarian relief, and unwavering diplomatic pressure on the aggressor. Canada has shown tremendous leadership so far, but the fight is far from over. Thus, the Ukrainian community in Canada calls on all Canadians to remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine, to remember what it is fighting for, and to resist the allure of quick solutions that would undermine the immense sacrifices already made by Ukraine in the pursuit of its freedom.
Lest we forget, and Slava Ukraini.
The post UNYF Edmonton commemorates Remembrance Day with a message of gratitude and solidarity appeared first on New Pathway Ukrainian News | Новий Шлях Українські Вісті.