On February 20, Ukraine bows its head to the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. On this day, we not only remember those who gave their lives for freedom, but also reflect on the price at which independence is gained.
At the Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, the memory of the Heroes was traditionally honored near the memorial Obelisk to students and teachers who died for Ukraine. Here, in the heart of the university, the name of Roman Huryk always rings – a 19-year-old student who went to Maidan and became a symbol of the struggle for dignity and truth.
Today, as the struggle continues, the memory of Roman and all those who gave their lives for our freedom is not only a source of sorrow, but also a guide. Our university has already lost 59 of its students and graduates in the war with the Russian aggressor. These are not just numbers. These are the fates of young people who believed in the future of Ukraine and gave their all for it.
“We must be worthy of their feat. Ukraine lives as long as we are united. We must not only remember, but also act: study, work, support the military, help those in need. Only in this way will we be able to achieve victory,” emphasized Ihor Tsependa.
Roman’s mother, Iryna Huryk, shared the pain that will never go away, and at the same time the belief that her son’s work is being continued by thousands of young Ukrainians: “Memory is the most important thing we should carry in our hearts. As long as we remember, as long as we talk about them, they are alive. But the main thing is not just to remember, but to bring their ideas to life, to build a strong Ukraine.”
The meeting ended with the song “Invincible Ukraine” performed by student Sofia Derevyanko.
These are not just words, but our shared promise to not give up, to fight and to win.
We remember. We unite. We act.
