16th Lecture of World Flags for KHDP – Ukraine, 27.02.2020
The Coordination of Croatian Friendship Societies (KHDP) Tribune held on 27 February held the 16th lecture on national flags presented by Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Željko Heimer.After two annual cycles under the title “Flags of European and World Countries”, held under the auspices of the President of Republic of Croatia, Mrs. Kolinda Grabar Kitarović,when 13 national flag histories was presented, those of countries with whom the members of the Coordination keep friendship relations, this lecture begins a new cycle titled “Flags – Identity of People and States”.
16th Lecture of World Flags for KHDP – Ukraine, 27.02.2020
The lacture on flags of Ukraine matched the arrival of the new extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Ukraine in the Republic of Croatia, H. E. Mr. Vasyliy Kyrylich. He presented his credentials to President Grabar Kitarović on 5 February, so this was the opportunity for the members and friends of the Croatian-Ukrainian Friendship Society and the Coordination to meet the ambassador for the first time.
The meeting was thus preceded with the lecture by LTC Dr. Heimer, who reminded the auditorium on the rich and dynamic history of Ukraine from the prehistoric period, through emergence of great Slavic state known today as the Kievan Rus’, followed by the period of Lithuanian and Polish-Lithuanian state, the time of Cossack Hetmans, period of Muscovite emperors influence, to establishment of modern Ukrainian state with the end of the First World War. It emerged amidst anarchic and confusing evens between the Soviet revolution, local warlords with greater ambitions, assisted with allies of both sides in the Great War. When the events eventually stabilized, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, passing though numerous hardships of the authoritarian regime, hunger and World War II, to finally gain independence in the 1990s. This rough sketch of the history was presented by the lecturer through symbols of various states and regimes succeeding each other through centuries until modern times. He showed the origins of the blue and yellow national colors, but also the richness of other flags used in Ukraine – among others various Cossack flags, variations of national flag used by various state services and agencies, in the military, on ships, by sport societies and many others. LTC Dr. Heimer particularly provided examples of regional and municipal flags in Ukraine. They developed particularly after since 1990s, with characteristics and use representing national treasure and Ukrainian identity.
After the Heimer’s lecture, ambassador Kyrylych addressed the audience. He was obviously moved by the lecture, and added to it with several photographs of use of Ukrainian flag from some particularly notable historic events. He thanked to the lecturer and invited everyone to cooperation during his stay in Croatia.
CIGH