STEVEN PRESTON BLOG
A Tribute to Ukrainian Heroes
March 15, 2025
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer
It's been over 1,100 days since the war in Ukraine has ignited a fire in the hearts of many, myself included. Silence, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us, is itself a form of complicity. Through this piece, titled "Glory to the Heroes," I aim to express my outrage and heartbreak over the atrocities committed by Russia and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
"Glory to Ukraine!" or Slava Ukraini!, is a Ukrainian national salute, known as a symbol of Ukrainian sovereignty and resistance to foreign aggression. Slava Ukraini! is the battle cry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is often accompanied by the response "Glory to the heroes!".
It is those heroes who I attempt to honor with this piece.
"Glory to Ukraine!" This defiant cry echoes through the artwork, embodied in the vibrant sunflower, a symbol of resilience. But the sky above is fractured, shards of blue glass raining down, representing the devastation unleashed upon the innocent. The sunflower stands in defiance, its golden face turned towards the broken sky, a beacon of hope that refuses to be extinguished. A butterfly, a symbol of transformation, flutters near, reminding the living of the coming renewal even amidst the destruction.
The colors of the flag, representing the sky and ground. The Ukrainian flag consists of two horizontal bands of equal width, with blue on the top and yellow on the bottom. The combination is commonly decoded as the sky above and the endless fields of wheat beneath it.
The sunflower is a major icon of Ukraine. The bright flower has played an increasingly important role in everyday Ukrainian life. Sunflowers are prominently displayed in festive celebrations, as decorations woven into clothing, wreaths, and headdresses. The sunflower is a symbol of peace and resilience.
In the early days of the Russian invasion, a video clip went viral showing a Ukrainian woman giving sunflower seeds to armed Russian soldiers. “Take these seeds, so sunflowers grow here when you die,” she told the soldiers.
The butterfly is an icon of hope, with the ability to remake itself. The war in Ukraine has devastated the country, but the spirit of its people will see it come back even stronger.
The powerful chant "Glory to Ukraine!" has resonated throughout Ukrainian history, a rallying cry for freedom and resistance. Its resurgence today is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people.
Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine has sparked global outrage. My hope is for this piece to serve as a visual representation of the collective grief and unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom.
Slava Ukraine! ■