Independence March

Year 2012, beginning of November. I traveled to Poland and found myself in Warsaw. There was a great atmosphere among my friends and we went to the Independence March together.

I was the only Ukrainian in a group of Polish colleagues.

Naturally, I get a Ukrainian flag from my backpack and I start waving, as a symbol of support, friendship and partnership. I had the feeling that I was invited to a birthday party.

Most people did not react in any way.

And here I see two bald bulls looking at me. And with the blink of an eye, they are already within arm’s length of each other.

And then a very short conversation: – Ukrainian? – Yes – What are you doing here? – Celebrating Poland’s Independence Day with you. – Do you drink vodka? – Sometimes yes – Come on.

In 20 years of my life, I have never been hugged as many times as I was that evening, and I don’t think I was that drunk either. We ended up singing Hej Sokoły in some housing estate around 2 a.m.

What I was aiming for: Dear Poles, On behalf of the Ukrainian diaspora in Poland, I heartily congratulate you all on the upcoming Independence Day. We celebrate with you. We are happy for you. I am convinced that the time will come when the Ukrainian flag in Poland will again be known as a symbol of a friend, not an enemy.

Love!