Independence Day Ukraine

Yesterday was Independence Day in Ukraine. As reported all over the news, it was celebrated very modestly this year. No mass gatherings or parades out of the logical fear that these would be far too easy targets for some Russian missiles…

But celebrating modestly doesn’t mean it’s not intense, and from what we’ve learned, this 31st Independence Day was the most important ever!

In several cities in Poland, various organizations of the Ukrainian community took the opportunity to thank Poland… For help, for reception, for involvement, for unwavering support. And to celebrate in all safety. All very double, because in addition to this gratitude and the celebration, with beautiful speeches, songs, balloons and children’s games, there is also the uncertainty, the unknown of tomorrow, the traumas that have not yet been processed.

There was already a celebration in Poznan last Sunday, and I was happy to receive a few words of thanks on behalf of Bread of Life, but above all to thank the Ukrainians for their valuable contributions! See my blog from mid-June, about who actually helps whom.

But more than speeches it was mainly music, under these circumstances also very double… I don’t want to withhold the translation of one of the songs. Thanks to our friends and colleagues Martin and Esther Boogaard, who previously published this on their website:

At dawn I go into the open field,

A nice new day to everyone around!

And in answer the wise wind will speak,

He shakes the ears of corn, he wakes up the trees!

The warm sun hugs your shoulders

And the birds sing their songs to me!

I smile and enjoy life,

I sincerely love my homeland!

—

Chorus:

Ukraine, you are my family!

You are my only mother earth!

The song of my dying heart,

Blue eyes shine, the soul rejoices!

—

I come home for the holidays –

All my relatives meet in a friendly way.

This is my homeland, this is my land,

I am a happy young Ukrainian woman!

The warm sun hugs your shoulders

And the birds sing their songs to me!

I smile and enjoy life,

I sincerely love my homeland!