A large-scale campaign initiated by the NGO Zakhyst Derzhava (Defence of the State) to make Vyshyvanka Day a national holiday has come to an end in Ukraine. Throughout the week, people from different regions came to the organisation's offices to sign the petition. The campaign brought together military personnel, veterans, volunteers, students and cultural figures, and culminated in themed photo zones on Vyshyvanka Day.
The signature collection lasted a week
Over the past week, the NGO «Defence of the State» has been calling on Ukrainians to support the idea of providing Day of embroidery official state status. For this purpose, special signature collection points were opened in different cities. Among those who joined the initiative were military personnel, veterans, volunteers, students and cultural figures.
Themed photo zones in 33 cities
On Vyshyvanka Day itself, the organisers set up themed photo zones in 33 cities across Ukraine. Everyone could leave their signature in support of the national status of the holiday and take memorable photos in embroidered shirts. In addition, temporary patriotic tattoos were prepared for participants.
Bringing together different generations
The initiative of the NGO «Defence of the State» became an occasion for joint participation of people of different ages and professions. An important focus of the event was the support of the military and the veteran community. According to the organisers, this proved once again that the embroidered shirt remains a symbol of unity and national identity.
Support and next steps
The organisers plan to submit the collected signatures to the relevant state institutions for consideration of granting Vyshyvanka Day the status of a state holiday. More information about the campaign can be found at the official website of the organisation.
