On this day

August 23: holidays and events on this day

On August 23, Ukraine celebrates National Flag Day, City Day in Kharkiv and Lutsk. These two cities have a rich history and cultural heritage, but on this day Kharkiv deserves special attention, a hero city that, in the difficult conditions of the war, continues to hold its defense and maintain its indomitability.

National Flag Day of Ukraine

On August 23, Ukraine celebrates National Flag Day, a holiday that symbolizes the centuries-old history of the national struggle for independence, dignity and sovereignty. This day has a special meaning for every Ukrainian, because the blue-yellow flag has become a real personification of indomitable spirit and desire for freedom.

The National Flag Day was officially established by the decree of the President of Ukraine on August 23, 2004. This holiday symbolizes honoring not only modern history, but also those generations of Ukrainians who fought for the independence of their state under this flag.

For the first time, the blue-yellow flag as a national symbol appeared at the beginning of the 20th century during the liberation struggle. However, its colors date back to the ancient times of Kievan Rus and Cossacks. The blue color symbolizes the peaceful sky and spirituality, and the yellow symbolizes the fertile fields and the wealth of the Ukrainian land.

Interesting facts

Although the colors of the flag represent the sky and the wheat field, according to other versions, the blue and yellow represent water and fire, which together form life.

For the first time, the blue-yellow flag was officially raised over the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on August 24, 1991, after the declaration of Ukraine’s Independence. It became a landmark event that marked the birth of a new independent state.

In 2010, on the National Flag Day in Ukraine, the largest flag in the history of the country was unfurled, the area of ​​which was 1,350 square meters. It was raised on Mount Hoverla, the highest point of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian flag has been in space. In 1997, cosmonaut Leonid Kadenyuk took the flag of Ukraine aboard the spaceship “Columbia”, which is now kept in the National Museum of the History of Ukraine.

Today, solemn ceremonies of raising the State Flag are taking place in many cities of Ukraine. In particular, the President of Ukraine, along with other high-ranking officials, traditionally participates in this event in Kyiv on Sofia Square.

City Day in Kharkiv and Lutsk

August 23 is a special day for two Ukrainian cities, Kharkiv and Lutsk, which celebrate City Day. These two cities have a rich history and cultural heritage, but on this day Kharkiv deserves special attention, a hero city that, in the difficult conditions of the war, continues to hold its defense and maintain its indomitability.

Kharkiv, founded in 1654, is one of the oldest and most important cities in Ukraine. It is located in the east of the country and is the second most populous. Kharkiv is a city of science, culture and industry, which from the very beginning of its history played a key role in the development of Ukraine. In 1919–1934, the city was the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, which emphasizes its importance at the national level.

Interesting facts about Kharkiv

Kharkiv was the first capital of the Ukrainian SSR, and many important events of that time took place here. This city has always been the political and cultural center of Eastern Ukraine.

Kharkiv is home to one of the oldest universities in Ukraine – V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, which was founded in 1804. Numerous scientific discoveries were born here, and the city remains the scientific center of the country.

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One of the oldest opera houses in Ukraine operates in Kharkiv, the Kharkiv National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after M. V. Lysenko, which opened its doors back in 1925.

Freedom Square in Kharkiv is one of the largest squares in the world and the largest in Ukraine. It became a symbol of the struggle for freedom and unity.

Kharkiv during the war

Since the beginning of full-scale Russian aggression, Kharkiv has become one of the hottest spots on the map of hostilities. The city was repeatedly subjected to massive artillery and rocket attacks, but even in such difficult conditions, the residents of Kharkiv continue to defend themselves and defend their right to freedom.

Kharkiv has repeatedly been the target of enemy shelling, but despite constant attacks, the city continues to remain under Ukrainian control. Residents and military together repel enemy attacks, turning the city into a fortress.

Living conditions in Kharkiv during the war are extremely difficult. There is often no electricity, water and heat due to constant shelling, but residents do not lose hope. They find ways to help each other by organizing volunteer aid and supporting victims.

In March 2022, Kharkiv was officially awarded the title “Hero City of Ukraine” for the courage and resilience of its residents, who continue to fight for their city and their country.

Even during the war, works are being carried out in Kharkiv to restore destroyed buildings and infrastructure. After the victory, the city plans to revive and become even stronger, preserving the memory of the heroism of its inhabitants.

Historical events that took place on August 23

August 23 is a day that left a deep mark in world history thanks to significant events that took place in different years. From political agreements to important cultural and military moments, this day reminds us of different aspects of human history.

1866 — Transfer of Venice to the Kingdom of Italy under the Treaty of Prague

On August 23, 1866, an important event took place in the history of Italy – according to the Treaty of Prague, Venice was handed over to the Kingdom of Italy. This was another step in the process of unification of Italy, which was difficult and long. Venice, which was previously part of the Austrian Empire, became part of the newly created Italian state, which had a significant impact on the political map of Europe at that time.

1904 – Patenting of the automobile tire chain

In 1904, an important step in the development of the automobile industry was taken – the automobile tire chain was patented. This is an invention that significantly increased the safety and passability of cars on the roads, especially in winter. This patent became an important achievement in the automotive industry, which still influences road safety technologies to this day.

1913 — Opening of the monument to the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen

On August 23, 1913, one of the most famous monuments in the world – the Little Mermaid monument – was unveiled in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. This bronze monument, created based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, has become a symbol of the city and a popular tourist attraction. The monument to the Little Mermaid is the embodiment of Denmark’s fairy-tale heritage and has become a symbol of the wealth of national culture.

1939 – Signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the secret protocol

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One of the most significant events of the 20th century was the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in Moscow on August 23, 1939, which radically changed the political situation in Europe. This treaty, signed between the USSR and the Third Reich, included a secret protocol dividing Europe into spheres of influence between the two totalitarian regimes. The pact became a harbinger of the Second World War, which began only a few days after its signing.

1942 – The beginning of the Battle of Stalingrad

On August 23, 1942, one of the most brutal and decisive battles of the Second World War began – the Battle of Stalingrad. This confrontation between the Nazi troops and the Red Army became a turning point in the war, which largely determined the course of subsequent events. The Battle of Stalingrad became a symbol of heroism and indomitability, but also a reminder of the horrors of war.

1943 — Liberation of Kharkiv from the German occupiers

August 23, 1943 was the day of liberation of Kharkiv from the German invaders. It was a key city on the Eastern Front during World War II, and its liberation was an important victory for the Red Army. Kharkiv, which suffered significant destruction during the occupation, was liberated, which became one of the symbols of Ukraine’s liberation from Nazi oppression.

1975 — Opening of the Kharkiv subway

On the same day, August 23, 1975, the first subway line was opened in Kharkiv. The Kharkiv subway became the sixth subway in Ukraine and at that time was an important element of the city’s infrastructure, which contributed to the improvement of transport accessibility and economic development of the city. The metro in Kharkiv has become an important symbol of the modernization of the city and its role as one of the industrial and cultural centers of Ukraine.

1989 — Live chain in the Baltic countries

On August 23, 1989, an unprecedented protest action took place in the Baltic states – Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. About two million people participated in the creation of a living chain that stretched almost 600 kilometers from Vilnius to Tallinn. This action, which became the largest live chain in the world, was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and became a symbol of the desire for independence from the USSR.

1990 — Declaration of independence of Armenia

On August 23, 1990, Armenia declared its independence from the Soviet Union, becoming one of the first republics to openly declare its intention to leave the USSR. This event became part of the process of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the formation of independent states in the post-Soviet space.

1998 — Introduction of the title of Hero of Ukraine

In 1998, the highest state title – Hero of Ukraine – was introduced in Ukraine. This title is awarded for outstanding services to the Ukrainian state and is the highest award that a citizen of Ukraine can receive for his contribution to the development of the country or the protection of its independence.

2011 — Overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime

On August 23, 2011, an important turning point occurred in Libya – the regime of dictator Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown. This event marked the end of a long conflict that began during the Arab Spring and marked the end of one of the longest-running dictatorships in the world. The overthrow of Gaddafi had a significant impact on the political situation in the region and world politics in general.

 

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