Today, in dark times, we Ukrainians commemorate the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's Independence Day. August 24 is a symbol of faith in our bright shared future, unity, and solidarity with those who defend independence on the front lines.

Today, many of us are scattered in different parts of the world, far from our homeland, but we are united. Together, we remember, celebrate, and honor the struggle for our independence, continuing to nurture the flame of patriotism and unity.

Our unity reaffirms that neither distance nor challenges can extinguish the burning love for our homeland.

From August 23 to 27, Ukrainians and Swiss organized numerous events in many Swiss cities in support of Ukraine's Independence Day.

In Lucerne, Ambassador of Ukraine Iryna Venediktova, Lucerne Government Councillor Michaela Tschuor, and Cantonal Councilor Urban Frye jointly paid tribute to the memory of those who fought for independence. The Ukrainian choir "Prostir" presented Ukrainian choral culture and aimed to bring it closer to the Swiss.

On Bundesplatz in Bern, Ukrainians, along with representatives from the Ukrainian Embassy, unfurled a 30-meter Ukrainian flag and united in a Chain of Unity. Guests and visitors enjoyed Ukrainian music, poetry by Yevheniya Senik, and explored the art exhibition by Olha Sabadina. A charity concert of Ukrainian and internationally renowned classical music will follow in the coming days.

The central streets of Zurich were adorned in blue and yellow as the Ukrainian community and Swiss joined in a solidarity march, forming a Chain of Unity. At Bürkliplatz, members of the National Council from various political parties - C.Gredig, C.Widmer, B.Glättli - and representatives from the Ukrainian Embassy came to support Ukrainians. In their speeches, the parliamentarians expressed admiration for Ukrainians' fight against Russian aggression and reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine.

On Place des Nations in Geneva, Ukrainians united in national colors and formed a Chain of Unity, singing national anthems.

In Basel, alongside the Chain of Unity, there was also an evening of Ukrainian literature titled "Poetry of the Unbroken", and a charity concert of 20th-century Ukrainian music titled "Letters to You". Professor Benjamin Schenk from the University of Basel gave a lecture on the topic "Mosaic of Symbols: An Overview of Ukrainian History".

In Lausanne, Neuchâtel, Sion, Burgdorf, Versoix, and many other cities, there were fond memories and introductions to Ukrainian culture, including the Sorochynsky Fair, Ukrainian dishes, Ukrainian songs, various workshops on making Motanka dolls and candle decoration, evenings of Ukrainian literature, a screening of the film "Olha" (the story of a young Ukrainian-Swiss athlete during the events of the 2014 Maidan), and informative courses for children.

We sincerely thank all Ukrainians and Swiss for their efforts in organizing and holding numerous events in support of Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!