President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko proclaimed October 14, when Pokrova of the Virgin Mary is celebrated, a new state holiday - the Day of Defender of Ukraine, for the first time, under the slogan «The Power of Unbroken».

Ukrainian warriors demonstrated the power of unbroken defending the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine in the war against the Russian aggressor. This holiday is aimed to honour courage and heroism of defenders of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Protection of Homeland has become a matter of all Ukrainians. That’s why, the Day of Defender of Ukraine, which is designated holiday, should become a nationwide feast, such as Christmas, the Easter or Independence Day.

October 14, the day which has earlier been one of the main holidays for Zaporizhzhya Cossacks will become one of the main holidays of the new Ukraine.

It is a holiday of everyone who loves Ukraine. A holiday of those who felt responsibility and involvement in the matter of defending the Homeland from Russian aggressors, occupants, mercenaries

Under the Decree, the Presidential Decree of February 23, 1999 «On the Day of Defender of the Motherland» becomes void.

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