Deputies Who Proclaimed Independence 35 Years Ago Gathered Again in the Rada (photo)

In the Verkhovna Rada in August 24, ceremonial events were held to mark the 35-th anniversary of the declaration of Ukraine's independence. In the session hall, members of parliament from the I and IX convocations gathered — those who adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence in 1991 year, and current lawmakers working under conditions of full-scale war. This was reported by the press service of the Verkhovna Rada, as cited by Hlavkom.

The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, called the meeting symbolic. “Today in this hall not just two generations of parliamentarians met. Today in this hall our history met. The history of statehood and parliamentary government of Ukraine,” he said. During the ceremony Stefanchuk announced the granting of a special status to the people’s deputies who adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine, and later the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine, as founders of modern Ukraine.

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photo: Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

The head of the parliament noted that between the First and Ninth convocations 35 years have passed, yet they are united by responsibility for the state. “The first convocation restored our independence. The ninth convocation, together with the whole people, is fighting for and safeguarding independence in war,” Stefanchuk emphasized.

Present also addressed were Iván Zayets, a deputy of the first convocation, and Serhiy Sobolev. Zayets recalled events on 24 August 1991 of the year when a blue-yellow flag was brought into the session hall and the parliament heard “Oh in the meadow a red viburnum.” According to him, the declaration of independence was not only a decision of parliamentarians but also the result of the will of the Ukrainian people, who 1 December 1991 year confirmed the Act of Independence at the all-Ukrainian referendum.

During the event, Ruslan Stefanchuk also presented parliamentary distinctions to deputies of the first convocation and to families of parliamentarians who have passed away. A separate part of the program was the presentation of a commemorative coin and a postage stamp dedicated to the 35-th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. The coin features a shield that has withstood blows but did not break, and the hand of a Ukrainian warrior who holds it.

For reference, it was previously reported that former activist Ivan Zayets has headed a new public organization.