March 14 is celebrated in Ukraine as Volunteer Day – a day to honor those who took up arms to defend their homeland without being military professionals.

This date was chosen deliberately. On March 14, 2014, the first volunteers departed from Maidan to a training base in Novi Petrivtsi, where they began preparations to fight for Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Today, our nation is facing one of the greatest challenges in its history – an armed struggle against the Russian aggressor for its independence and territorial integrity. As in the most difficult times, brave warriors of goodwill rise to defend their homeland – symbols of heroism, selflessness, and courage.

In honor of this day, ceremonies took place in Odesa, including a flower-laying at the Memorial to the Fighters for Ukraine in the Square of Glory and Freedom.

Throughout March, educational institutions and libraries will hold cultural and educational events related to this theme.

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The decision to celebrate Volunteer Day was adopted by Resolution No. 1822 of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on January 17, 2017, to strengthen the patriotic spirit in society.