Kyiv- In the freedom class of Kiev, between a sea of blue-yellow flag, which pays homage to the fallen soldiers of Ukraine, a bright pash of red and white.
A bright Canadian flag, situated within the colors of Ukraine, is also reminiscent of Canadian soldiers in the air who died while defending the country.
The space was once a lawn in the capital city, but when Russia invaded in 2022 it became a Mekshift Memorial. Each flag honors a soldier who is dead and is marked by hand with names and dates that died. Many flags include smiling photos of the falling soldiers.
There are thousands and thousands of flags and photos. Well -worn paths are carved into the ground as hundreds of visitors, bring fresh flowers, navigate the maze.
“Here you can see a memorial for all soldiers of different military units. You can find them by patch on the flag. Regular units and international giants and others you can see here,” said the Lieutenant-Karnal. Yan Fidry, known by his calling “Kenobi”, is the commander of the 1 Infantry Battalion of the Ukrainian International Army.
The International Army includes fighters from several countries including the United States, Croatia, Brazil and Canada.
“We were a Canadian man in our unit. Others are still in the army. Our fall is not something we want to talk about,” Fidri said.
Outlook, Suskechewan, and Herbert, Suskechewan from Joseph Hildebrand are among those who were honored with pictures of “Bud” Hardy.
“Bud. You are a true hero. I love you brother. Your path is the path of a warrior for heaven,” was written on a flag signed by family members.
Another flag simply called “Joseph Hildebrand Kia Nayak”.
Hildebrand voluntarily attended fighting for Ukraine in 2022, but was later killed in action near Bakhmut city that year. In 2024, Hardy was killed in a drone strike while working as a Combat Medicine.
“Many people are unfortunately dead, yes,” Fidry said.
He said, “Not everyone is shown here because many families do not want to hurt themselves and take out the flags with pictures,” he said.
Fidry was involved by a uniformed girl, who only identified with her callgirl, “acid”, who wanted to pay tribute.
“Many of my friends are here and their flags are also here, and there are many people of this flag who were very important in my life, but they died because Russians killed them.” He said.
“It’s not a very funny place. It is a place about sadness and heart pain.”
This report of Canadian Press was first published on August 25, 2025.
Bill Graveland, Canadian Press
