Reflections on My Father’s Legacy on Ukrainian Independence Day
Original artwork by Julia Vasenina
Today, we acknowledge Ukrainian Independence Day (День Незалежності України), celebrated annually on August 24 to commemorate the adoption of the Act of Declaration of Independence in 1991.
The term “celebrate” is difficult to use as the Russo-Ukraine War continues. This year, I lost someone dear to me to a drone strike in Ukraine, and I lost my own father here in the United States. But we don’t need fireworks and balloons to have a celebration. We only need words to honor achievements, sacrifices and legacies.
If a legacy was just made of things, my father’s would be insurmountable. He kept absolutely everything: business cards from a company that no longer exists, charging cables to devices long dormant, and a plethora of loose padlocks protecting nothing. I’ve laid claim to a few items like his Ukrainian mug and his pepper vodka, but what was most dear and undeniably mine to take, was a copy of a letter he wrote to me before I went to university.
I had not saved this letter for myself. What I remembered of it was only that he typed in ALL CAPS making those nearby think someone was angry at me. His words were anything but angry, though. Like his love for me, they were sentimental, intentional, and inspiring.
On a day like today, during a time like this, what stands out most from my father’s letter is his pride and admiration for my achievements and independence, which he too humbly said were mine alone. He also warned me that success is not something earned and just stored away. You have to use all of your “tools” to protect what you’ve earned. In searching through his things, you would assume those tools were mostly different sized screwdrivers and zip ties. In reading his words, I know he meant belief in myself, faith in my abilities, and the love of my family.
In the spirit of my father’s words, I offer my words of support to the men, women and children of Ukraine – equipped with belief, faith, and love – protecting what has been earned.
To all, remember that in life your words resonate. Choose them intentionally. We’re here if you need some help.
AI enhanced image of my father Michael Urban (1953-2026) and me on my wedding day. The enhancements were made to compliment the original work by our Senior Designer, Julia Vasenina, at the top of the blog post.
More about Julia Vasenina’s Ukrainian Independence Day Design
I created this artwork for Ukrainian Independence Day, but I wanted it to feel personal, not just symbolic.
The design was inspired by Taras Shevchenko’s words about home, truth, strength, and freedom. I wanted those ideas to come through in a way that feels warm, rooted, and easy to connect with.
The central figure is inspired by Berehynia, the guardian figure atop the Independence Monument of Ukraine. As a Ukrainian, this Kyiv landmark has always carried a special meaning for me. Standing near it in peaceful times, I remember feeling how much history, hope, and dignity it held. It has witnessed some of Ukraine’s most important modern moments, from the Orange Revolution to the Revolution of Dignity, and today it feels even more connected to the protection of freedom, home, and identity.
The traditional Ukrainian homes, wheat, sunflowers, church silhouette, Tryzub, and blue-and-gold palette were chosen to create a sense of belonging and rootedness. Together, these elements form a visual reflection of Ukraine as both a homeland and a living memory.
After reading the deeply personal memories Cate shared, the artwork felt even more connected to the themes of individual independence, legacy, and protection. The final direction brings together national symbolism and personal meaning, showing how communication becomes most powerful when it speaks to something real and close to the heart.
