THE month of February will see Ukrainians mark the fifth anniversary of the massacre of the Heavenly 100 on Maydan Square in Kyiv by snipers of the Berkut, stroope troopers and Russian special forces.

The protesters had been in the square since November when the then now convicted president, Yanukovych, backtracked on months of discussions on a roadmap for Ukrainian integration into Europe.

Serhiy Nigayan, of Armenian decent, was the fist recognised victim of a sniper and unfortunately many more followed.

I have been to Kyiv since then and walked around the area. There are pictures of the fallen displayed near where they were murdered. A most poignant memory of the visit is of two photos on a tree of a young couple killed by one bullet.

We in the west take for granted we can vote out a government with a free and democratic election. The Heavenly 100 gave their lives believing their cause was just.

On Sunday, the Ukrainian community in Bolton will be holding a a memorial service a after mass to commemorate the sacrifice of the Heavenly 100.

The mass will commence at 10.30 followed by a short memorial service.

On behalf of our community, I invite all Boltonians to attend and assist us to remember the fallen Heavenly 100.

Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn

Chairman Bolton Branch

Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain

Ukrainian Cultural Centre