The Vytautas Great War Museum and the Lithuanian Rifle Association invite you to celebrate the Day of Honoring Ukrainian Heroes

Since ancient times, Ukraine has been fighting against invaders. The age-long struggle for the state has written in the history of the nation many warlords of freedom, whom Ukrainians respect and appreciate. They not only destroyed the enemy, but laid the foundations and set an example of love for the homeland for future generations. Having sacrificed the most precious thing – their life, they are honored by their country during the Day of Honoring Heroes of Ukraine, one of the most important national holidays.

On this day, the warriors of Kievan Rus, Zaporizhia Sich Cossacks and their hetmons, soldiers of the Ukrainian People’s Army (1917-1921) and the Ukrainian Rebel Army (1942-1960), soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who have been killed in the war with Russia since 2014, and others who fell outside Ukraine are remembered freedom. On this day, the merits and contributions of such personalities as Ivan Mazepa, Simon Petliura, Stepan Bandera to the country’s struggle for freedom are remembered and honored.

The day began to be celebrated in 1941. The initiators of the idea are the Ukrainian nationalist organization OUN (Ukrainian. Organization of Ukrainian nationalists, ОУН). May 23 also not chosen at random. On this day in 1938 In Rotterdam (Netherlands), Soviet agents killed the leader of the organization, one of the most important ideologues of Ukrainian nationalism, Yevhen Konovales (1891-1938).

There are a lot of texts and video footage about Mr. Konovalets’ distinction on the battlefield, the liberation of Western Ukraine from the Poles, the creation of the Ukrainian secret services, and other merits. However, did you know about the bright Lithuanian traces in the activities of the Ukrainian hero?

1923-1928 Ukrainian military organization headed by J. Konovalets kept in touch with the Lithuanian services, and in 1928 May 14-18 representatives of the organization and J. Konovalecas himself visited Kaunas, participated in the unveiling of the Freedom Monument and other events dedicated to celebrating the decade of Lithuania’s independence. During the visit, he met with representatives of the Lithuanian government, the leadership of the Lithuanian Rifle Association. It is believed that during the visit Mr. Konovales was granted Lithuanian citizenship, which he held until his death. When he was granted Lithuanian citizenship, he became a member of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union.

However, this is not the only reason why Mr. Konovales is dear to Lithuania. Did you know that it was his organization in 1926? warned Lithuania about Poland’s intention to attack and thus would have stopped J. Pilsudski’s operation? Did you hear about the fact that Lithuania had purchased two submarines and the organization of J. Konovales was going to bring them to Klaipėda port?

The memory of the Ukrainian freedom fighter, who deserved Lithuania, is commemorated in Kaunas as well. On the building at Laisvės al. 34, a commemorative plaque dedicated to J. Konovalets was unveiled.

The Vytautas Great War Museum and the Lithuanian Rifle Association invite you to celebrate the Day of Honoring Ukrainian Heroes together. The event will take place on May 23. from 4 p.m. near the memorial plaque dedicated to J. Konovales (Laisvės al. 34, Kaunas), in the Vytautas Great War Museum and garden (64 K. Donelaičio str., Kaunas). The event is open and free.

COMMEMORATION FOR THE DAY OF HONORING HEROES OF UKRAINE

THE PROGRAM

Date – in 2024 May 23 (Thursday) 4:00 p.m.

Laisvės al. 34, Kaunas

4:00 p.m. – laying flowers for the commander of the army of the People’s Republic of Ukraine, Col. Memorial plaques in memory of Jevhen Konovales.

Garden of the Vytautas Great War Museum

4:20 p.m. – laying flowers in the garden of the Vytautas Great War Museum near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

4:20 p.m. – Carillon music concert of the Vytautas Great War Museum. Played by Roberta Daugelaitė.

The Great Hall of the Vytautas Great War Museum

5:00 p.m. – Anthems of the Republic of Lithuania and Ukraine.

5:06 p.m. – The words of the director of the Vytautas Dižiosijos Museum.

5:09 p.m. – the speech of the commander of the Lithuanian Rifle Association.