Greetings of Secretary the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine

Dear compatriots!

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the declaration of Ukraine's independence. In the conditions of the Russian Bolshevik aggression, the young state - the Ukrainian People's Republic - achieved recognition in the world, approved the state symbols and borders.

That time independence was lost. Political discord inside the country and the aggression of the Bolshevik Russia led to that the Ukrainians failed to preserve the integrity of the state, and the territory of Ukraine was occupied by the Soviet empire for almost 70 years.

Twenty-seven years ago, without fighting and blood, Ukraine restored its state sovereignty, and today we have to defend our independence with weapons in our arms. The Ukrainians, as a nation, toughened up, defending their own country and gaining victory.

The word "independence" today is filled with the profound meaning of the desire for freedom and self-identity. It is the blood of those who gave their lives for Ukraine's opportunity to be free, it is the laughter of a baby who makes his first steps, it is dawn on the Dnieper, and sunset on the Black Sea, it a harvest and powerful production facilities. But Ukraine is primarily people. It is each of us. Everyone with his dreams, intentions, and steps to victory.

Changes in the country always begin with changes in each of us. Change your home, change your yard, district and - country! Together we can protect and build a powerful European state we want to live in!

Happy holiday! May God save and bless Ukraine and each of you!