Today, on the fourth Saturday of November, Ukrainians commemorate the victims of the Holodomor of 1932–1933, as well as the man-made famines of 1921–1923 and 1946–1947. This national day of mourning is observed in accordance with presidential decrees issued in 1998 and 2007.
A Tradition of Remembrance: Light a Candle
At 4:00 PM, the entire nation honors the millions of Ukrainians who fell victim to genocide with a minute of silence and the lighting of candles. This tradition, initiated in 2003 by Holodomor researcher James Mace, unites Ukrainians across the globe. Candles placed in the windows of homes have become a symbol of remembrance and the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit.
Repression in Occupied Territories
The Center of National Resistance reports that, ahead of this Day of Remembrance, Russian occupiers are intensifying repressions in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Russia is attempting to erase any trace of the crimes that led to the deaths of millions of Ukrainians. All monuments, memorials, and museum exhibits related to the Holodomor have been destroyed by the occupiers. They are urging informants to report anyone lighting candles of remembrance or showing other signs of mourning, the Center of National Resistance stated.
These actions by the enemy are an effort to obliterate the national memory of Ukrainians and conceal the truth about the Stalinist regime’s crimes, which caused a massive genocide of the Ukrainian people.
Global Solidarity
Ukrainians around the world join in commemorative events, demonstrating unity in the fight for historical truth. Remembrance candles will be lit not only in Ukraine but also by the diaspora, honoring those who lost their lives to the inhumane policies of the Soviet regime.
Memorials to Holodomor victims, such as the one near the Kharkiv-Moscow highway in Cherkaska Lozova, serve as powerful reminders of the tragic lessons of history that must never be repeated.
By lighting a candle at 4:00 PM, every Ukrainian reaffirms their memory and resilience in the face of attempts by the enemy to erase the nation’s identity.