Eduard Abashia, a lecturer at the Department of Psychology at the Dnipro Institute of PJSC "IAPM", a legal expert, psychologist at the Amur-Nyzhnodniprovskyi district department of the State Institution "Probation Center" branch in Dnipropetrovsk region, and a member of the International Association of Psychologists and Consultants on Sexual Education, informs about the following. On August 23 and 24, citizens of Ukraine celebrate two important holidays - the Day of the National Flag and the Independence Day of Ukraine.

Previously, Ukraine celebrated Independence Day on January 22, but changed the date to commemorate the first anniversary of declaring state sovereignty from the USSR. This is the date when the country received a new legal system, military powers, and its own currency. In 2024, the country will celebrate the 33rd anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union.

Independence and the existence of an independent state are the highest form of self-expression for any nation, and most often it comes at the cost of many trials and sufferings.

Today we live in difficult times, under the sounds of sirens and drones, explosions of missiles and shells, cannon fire, etc., where utter madness is happening around us. In times of war, animal instincts take precedence over reason. People experience unspeakable physical and psychological suffering. However, it is important to understand why we must go through this path of trials. To say that it is in the name of independence is to tell a great, but not the most important part of the truth. Because independence, no matter how high a goal it may be, is actually a means to achieve an even higher goal. It is about the survival and development of future generations. This path is not easy and treacherous, it goes through external and internal shocks, and we must walk this path for the sake of independence, for the sake of statehood, for the sake of a bright future.

For these conditions to be complete, peace is necessary. In Ukraine, many believe that in this tense situation, in conditions of military clashes, it is impossible to talk about peace. But first and foremost, in these conditions, we need to value peace and not confuse peace with a truce or ceasefire. Peace is an environment free from interstate, inter-ethnic, religious, linguistic, social, and other conflicts and misunderstandings. Peace is a factor that ensures and guarantees security, as well as independence and sovereignty, - the psychologist noted.

We sincerely congratulate everyone on the Day of the National Flag and the Independence Day of Ukraine! We wish everyone peace, tranquility, goodness, and happiness!