Keep fighting—you are sure to win!
God helps you in your fight!
For fame and freedom march with you, 
And right is on your side!

These words of Taras Shevchenko, fellow Ukrainians, have become a spiritual testament for Serhiy Nigoyan, one of the first Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. And then we lost so many of them! They stood here side by side, representatives of various ethnicities, religions, people from the East and West, North and South; people who spoke Ukrainian, Russian and other languages. Common Homeland, Ukraine, love to the country and heroic struggle for decent European future of our state united them.

Geography of these grieving yet glorious days covers all Ukraine. In Donetsk region, in village Svitle of Dobropillia district, a memorial plaque was set to fellow villager Volodymyr Naumov who died here, in Kyiv, on February 18. But against the backdrop of the events in Donbas we clearly understand why these events are still symbolic for Ukrainians and the entire world.

Dear Ukrainians!

Here, on Maidan we fought not only against marionette Yanukovych. Now we understand that the Russian aggression against Ukraine began with the "attack" on Vilnius, when Ukraine was to sign a historic Association Agreement on November 29, and on November 21 non-Ukrainian Government decided to stop the movement of the country to Europe. People who were not indifferent came to this sacred place at once.

The Revolution of Dignity has become the first and, what is most important, victorious battle in the war for our independence. When the enemy saw that peaceful Anschluss of Ukraine with the Customs Union failed, it decided to tear Ukraine apart with tanks and Grads. However, this venture also failed. The newly-created Ukrainian army with the assistance of the nationwide volunteer support stopped the enemy on the far-east frontiers. Born not for war Ukrainians, peaceful Ukrainians, for we are a peaceful nation, took the weapons and stopped the well-trained army – one of the most powerful armies in the world.

It is the feat of the Heavenly Hundred, which inspired hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians to struggle against Russian aggression. At least 4,000 members of Maidan self-defense decided to come to the front and defend the independence of our country from the "evil forces, cursed horde" until death.

A powerful enemy, much more numerous and, unfortunately, much better equipped, confronts us. It has been elaborating plans of attacking us for years. It has been training its armed forces and forming the fifth column inside Ukraine for this end. But we are stronger, for the Lord and the truth are with us. For us, it is a war for our land. It is fair for us, not for the enemy. The whole world recognizes this and demonstrates solidarity with Ukraine.

The day after tomorrow, on February 22, at your invitation, at the invitation of the People of Ukraine, European leaders, presidents, prime-ministers will come here, to this sacred place, to honor the feat of our nation and pay tribute to the memory of Ukrainian heroes. They will also emphasize with their presence that the doors of the European Union are open for Ukraine. It is the recognition of the feat of Ukrainian heroes, of the price Ukrainian people paid to have this European perspective.

We will withstand and preserve the state only if we preserve unity, avoid any internal discord and do not let the fifth column break up our unity! I am confident that we will manage to do that. We have demonstrated that on the front and will now prevent the opening of the internal front, over which the special forces of the neighboring state are persistently working by spreading fear, panic, disbelief in our powers and distrust of Ukrainians in one another. We will break this scenario and win, just like we did before!

No matter how hard it may be, no matter what challenges are waiting for us, I will do everything for these tremendous victims of the past year, God forbid, not to be vain. If we stop the war, everyone will see the changes of Ukraine in a few years.

With every cell, we feel that people demand to speed up the changes. Firing back from the aggressor with one hand we are speeding up reforms with the other hand. In 2014, we preserved Ukraine. 2015 must become crucial for the introduction of fundamental changes in the construction of a new state.

I am confident that Ukraine will live in peace, develop and move towards Europe. It will happen thanks to our guardian angels: Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred and thousands of knights who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine.

Dear friends, we are in eternal debt to mothers and fathers who raised such brave and wonderful sons and daughters. We bow to children who lost their parents.

I ask Vladyslav Tsepun, son of Hero of the Heavenly Hundred, Hero of Ukraine Andriy Tsepun to launch the "Rays of dignity". Memorable Ray of Dignity will fly to the skies from every point where the bright soul left its body a year ago.

Let us remember all heroes who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine!