The following statement was issued by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress on February 20.
On February 20, Ukraine and Ukrainians around the world mark the Day of Commemoration of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred (Nebesna Sotnia).
In the fall of 2013, the Ukrainian people took to the streets in protest against the authoritarian, corrupt regime of former president Victor Yanukovych. This movement known as the Revolution of Dignity saw Ukrainians in cities and towns all across the country rise up in defense of their inalienable rights. They demanded rule of law and democracy. They demanded their government treat them with the dignity that every human being deserves. The regime responded with violence.