On the fourth Saturday in November, Canada, Ukraine and the world commemorate Holodomor Memorial Day. This year, we commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Holodomor Famine-Genocide of 1932-33. We gather in our communities to remember and honour the millions of victims of the Holodomor.
In 1932-33, the Soviet Communist regime of Joseph Stalin committed genocide against the Ukrainian people. The Communist regime murdered millions of Ukrainians for their desire to speak their own language, practice their traditions, and live free in their own land.
In an attempt to destroy the Ukrainian nation, the Communist regime turned food into a weapon. All grain and food was confiscated, Ukraine’s borders sealed. Any resistance was brutally crushed. The Ukrainian people starved.
But despite the viciousness and cruelty of decades of Soviet-Russian occupation, the Ukrainian people persevered, and won their freedom and independence in 1991. Today, the Ukrainian people again defend that independence against another attempt by Russia to destroy the Ukrainian state and annihilate the Ukrainian people.
Today, Russia wages a genocidal war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia is once again using food as a weapon – bombing Ukrainian grain depots and ports, aiming to provoke a famine. A defiant Ukrainian nation fights courageously in defence of Ukraine’s freedom and democracy in Europe. With the help of the Free World, and God’s grace, the Ukrainian people will defeat the scourge of Russian tyranny.
On Holodomor Memorial Day, we honour the millions of innocent victims of the Holodomor. We thank the Survivors of the Holodomor, whose courage in sharing their story ensured that this genocide will never be forgotten. We recall that our strength lies in our truth and our unity. We Stand With Ukraine.
May the Memory of the Victims Be Eternal.
Вічная Пам’ять.
Ukraine remembers – the world acknowledges!
