Every year on the fourth Saturday in November, Ukraine, Canada and the world commemorate Holodomor Memorial Day. 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. Turning food into a weapon, the Communist regime attempted to destroy the Ukrainian nation. The Communist regime confiscated all grain and food, and sealed Ukraine’s borders. Any resistance was brutally crushed. The Ukrainian people starved.
In 1932-33 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.
This year, as we mark the 91st commemoration of this genocide, we remain united in remembrance. The ruthless Russian aggressor is committing yet another genocide of the Ukrainian people and is deliberately attempting to destroy the Ukrainian state, language, culture and traditions. As Ukrainian Canadians, we remain one with the Ukrainian people in protecting our history, identity, and sharing the truth.
We unite in memory of all who, during the Holodomor and throughout the centuries, were lost to a nation. We unite in honour of Holodomor survivors with whom the community was blessed; their will to survive and their hope for a brighter future. We unite in sharing the stories of the People of Truth, who tried to alert the world. We unite in honour of the women and men who throughout history defended Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. We unite in recognition of the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people who today defend their country and the freedom of Europe from Russia’s genocidal war of aggression.
Мay the Memory of the Victims Be Eternal. Вічная Пам’ять.
On Saturday, November 23 all Canadians to urged to pause and remember.
● At 19:32 (7:32 p.m.) local time pause for a moment of silence wherever one may be to honour the memory of the victims.
● Light a candle of remembrance in one’s home.
● Post photos of your candles on social media with your thoughts of remembrance.
● Request local churches to toll their bells at 19:32 in honour of the victims.
