The Christmas bravery of Ukraine. The War has no seasons
Oksana Matviichuk
Strategic Forecaster | Business and Marketing Transformation | Executive and Strategic Leadership | AI Automation | Top Women Leaders of New York 2023 | Author | Keynote Speaker
For many of us, Christmas begins with the Carol of the Bells, also known as Shedrick, by Mykola Leontovich, a Ukrainian composer ruthlessly murdered by the Soviet regime in 1921.
Before we start celebrating, I want us to reflect on 2022. This year disrupted many lives. The war in the heart of Europe made this year devastating. Each day the catastrophic news from Ukraine made us realize that the horrors of WW II were not something we managed to heal from as a society. For many people outside Ukraine, February 24th was the first day of the War, while for Ukraine, the War had been lasting for eight years.
For all Ukrainians, this year has only two months because the War has no seasons. With deep sorrow, we acknowledge the Ukrainian heroes for whom this year ended forever. We shall keep them in our hearts, as so did our ancestors, preserving in their hearts the memory of heroes who fought for freedom in their time. As our tradition requires, we shall neal and say: "The Heroes Never Die."
Ukrainians showed the world a new dimension of bravery and resilience. Ukrainians showed the world how to be invincible. How to be genuinely committed to freedom and victory every step of the way. What bravery truly means and how to #bebrave and unite the world to #StandWithUkraine.
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We have uncovered how the US, Europe, and the rest of the world can support democracy and the fight for freedom. For the freedom of the Ukrainian people, which today symbolizes freedom from tyranny for the entire world. We discovered Ukrainian people who united worldwide to make the Ukrainian voice heard and reveal the Ukrainian cultural heritage to the world.
As President Zelensky said in his historic speech to Congress yesterday: "and we do not have to know everyone's wish, as we know that all of us, millions of Ukrainians, wish the same: Victory and only Victory!"
Moving into 2023, I pray for the fastest victory of Ukraine. For the clear sky and uninterrupted by the air alarm days and nights. For the kids to play again, for people to come back and start rebuilding their homes and lives. For the people to begin a long journey to recovery from their losses and trauma. This is the only life that Ukrainians have, and as the world, we must do everything humanly possible to make it peaceful.
Slava Ukraini! Glory to Ukraine!