Heroes Who Shape Ukraine's Future: Patriotic Events Held at Lviv State University of Internal Affairs with War Veterans

To mark Heroes' Day, Lviv State University of Internal Affairs (LvSUIA) hosted a roundtable discussion featuring veterans of the ongoing war and university staff who have defended Ukraine from the enemy.

University Rector, Police Colonel Dmytro Shvets, presented various projects being implemented at LvSUIA aimed at supporting Ukrainian defenders. He also expressed his gratitude to the veterans for their active role in the military-patriotic education of the next generation of law enforcement officers.

Additionally, a ceremonial event was held at the university to celebrate Heroes' Day, with Ukrainian defenders invited to take part.

Participants joined together in singing the National Anthem of Ukraine. This was followed by a moment of silence to honor all fallen Heroes, especially LvSUIA alumni who gave their lives for Ukraine's freedom and independence.

University head Dmytro Shvets addressed those present, expressing deep gratitude to all Ukrainian defenders – men and women – for their tireless struggle, strength, and resilience.

Also speaking at the event was war veteran Vasyl Kurylovych, a fighter from the 14th Operational Brigade of the National Guard "Chervona Kalyna."

"I am not a hero. I'm an ordinary Ukrainian, like hundreds of thousands of others who stood up to defend our homeland. We didn't want the occupier to trample our land. We know what war is: it's pain, blood, tears, and a mother's silent prayer as she waits for her son to return home. Sadly, not everyone does. The true heroes are those who stayed there. And we must remember them, because they will live on as long as we don't forget them," the veteran said.

During the event, attendees remembered Ukraine's Heroes – LvSUIA alumni Yurii Zhukovets and Ihor Dykun, who continue to defend the country on the frontlines, as well as Taras Bobanych, who was killed in action during a combat mission in Kharkiv region in April 2022, bravely shielding his comrades.

Cadets, students, and invited guests delivered moving performances of patriotic songs, poetry, and dance compositions.

At the end of the event, university leadership, veterans, and students laid flowers at the grave of Hero of Ukraine and LvSUIA graduate Taras Bobanych and honored his memory with a moment of silence.