On Saturday, August 23, Ukrainians celebrate Flag Day.

This holiday was established "to honor the history of Ukrainian statehood and to foster respect for state symbols" according to the Presidential decree from August 23, 2004. In 2009, amendments were made to this decree, establishing an annual flag-raising ceremony across the country.

The blue and yellow colors of the flag have a millennium-long history, dating back to the times of Kievan Rus. During the revolutions of 1848, this banner became a symbol of the Ukrainian people when it was first raised in Lviv. The blue-yellow flag officially became a state symbol with the proclamation of the Ukrainian People's Republic.

The flag was first raised in the city of Stryi on March 14, 1990, and later in Kyiv on July 24 of the same year.

On August 23, 1991, the blue-yellow flag was brought into the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada, and on September 4, it was raised over the parliament building.

After the onset of Russian aggression, the flag became a symbol of the fight for freedom.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Ukrainians on Flag Day, emphasizing that Ukraine will not surrender its land to the occupiers.

"Our flag is the dream of millions of people in temporarily occupied territories. They hold on to it because they know: we will not give up our land," said Zelensky.

He also noted that our flag symbolizes the most precious things for thousands of soldiers defending our country. For those returning from captivity, it represents hope.

"There is no capital in the world that respects life yet does not respect our flag. Where life is valued, partnership with Ukraine is valued," added the President.

He separately thanked everyone fighting for Ukraine.

"I thank everyone working for the sake of our independence. We remember the heroes who fight for Ukraine with our flag in hand," emphasized Zelensky.

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The blue-yellow flag is a symbol of dignity and resilience for the entire Ukrainian people, according to Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.

"The flag is a talisman with which our brave warriors defend Ukrainian land, sky, and sea. It is a symbol of support for those who save and teach," he noted.

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The blue-yellow flag has become a symbol of the struggle against aggression and embodies the values upheld by the Ukrainian people, wrote Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

"Today we celebrate Flag Day. Our flag embodies freedom and hope," he stated.

The minister expressed gratitude to all partners who support Ukraine.

"Your unwavering support brings us closer to a just peace," concluded Sybiha.