Національна академія внутрішніх справ

On the morning of August 29, the top leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service, the National Guard, the National Academy of Internal Affairs, veterans and family members of the fallen heroes, gathered near Solomyanska Square near the monument "Courage, loyalty and heroism of Interior Ministry employees".

Every law enforcement officer adheres to the tradition of honoring the memory of his colleagues who died in the line of duty. And today, August 29, all Ukrainians honor the memory of the defenders of Ukraine who died in the struggle for independence, sovereignty and the territorial integrity of our state. On this day, we also commemorate the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who died in the line of duty.

The festivities on Solomyanskaya Square traditionally began with a "moment of silence".

In 2019-2020 in Ukraine, 23 of the best died in the line of duty: guards, police officers and rescuers. Three of them were posthumously awarded the title of "Hero of Ukraine".

A total number of 1,690 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty during Ukraine’s independence. 462 of them – since the beginning of the anti-terrorist operation in eastern part of Ukraine. They remained devoted to their oath to the last breath, defending the country and protecting the citizens, ensuring law and order.

"Every year we meet here, on Solomyanskaya Square, to pay tribute to law enforcement officers who died saving people's lives, and in those years also defending the state from the aggressor on the East of Ukraine. From this year, the Presidential Decree combines the Day of Remembrance of employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who died in the line of duty with the Day of Remembrance of Defenders of Ukraine who died in the struggle for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. It was on this day, in August 2014, that Ukraine suffered the greatest losses as a result of Russian armed aggression in the east of our country during the withdrawal of our servicemen from the encirclement of the occupiers near the city of Ilovaisk. The vast majority of the dead are volunteer battalions of the National Guard and police officers," – said the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov in his speech.

The participants of the event continued the tradition started last year by lighting a "memory candle".

It is symbolic that the candles with a black ribbon depict the rhythm of the heart. Rhythm interrupted by a bandit bullet, shell rupture, fire, bloody war… rhythm that stopped forever.

Attendees laid flowers and candles at the memorial to honor the memory of the fallen heroes.

Unfortunately, memorial plaques continue to be replenished with new names. The best of us go to eternity, leaving tender feelings, warm memories, and love in hearts of their relatives.

We bow our heads before the employees of the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, whose names are engraved on bronze plates and in our hearts.

We serve, protect and remember. They are with us forever. Because they will stay with us as long as we remember them.

Heroes do not die, Heroes are between us!

 

 

Communication Unit, NAIA