Celebrating Constitution Day: New Honors and Global Gratitude
In his address for Constitution Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the core principle today is the prioritization of Ukraine. He also presented state honors at St. Sophia Square.
Source: presidential address, president's website
Direct quote: "Ukraine is millions of names we take pride in. It is the choice our people make every day. It embodies millions of actions and feats that collectively form Ukraine. Our social contract is that Ukraine comes first, and Ukrainians represent our independence, our rights, our dreams — all of the people — above all else."
Additionally, Zelensky thanked all nations of the civilized world for their unity with Ukraine and mentioned Polish President Andrzej Duda, who participated in the ceremony.
At St. Sophia Square, the president awarded the highest state honors.
In particular, he presented posthumous "Golden Star" orders to the families of fallen Heroes of Ukraine: soldier Ostap Makarov, Colonel Viktor Polyvianyi, Senior Lieutenant Mykola Skydan, and journalist, volunteer, and paramedic Iryna Tsybukh.
Furthermore, two Heroes of Ukraine received their highest awards in person: Junior Lieutenant Petro Gerasymovych and Junior Sergeant Oleksandr Ivantsov.