By Zbigniew Bujak
The people we’ve met in our lives serve as the best testimony about the lives we’ve lived.
In the case of some important acquaintances, sometimes our paths may cross only once or twice.
We remember those encounters when, thanks to them, we learn the true meaning of courage, patriotism and sacrifice for the good of other people.
I often hear people say “Saving a human life is more important than anything else.”
Serhii also valued life, but he has shown that the truly great value of life can be expressed by what we are ready to give it up for.
He gave his life for Free Ukraine, for the freedom of the Ukrainian nation.
A nation that has such citizens is a great nation.
In bidding this final farewell, I would like to quote the words of our commitment, which we say together with our leader Lech Wałęsa:
“We, the veterans of the Solidarity movement, and all friends of the country and the people of Ukraine, will not let Europe and the world forget about you. We will not allow them to belittle your existence and your struggle for the freedom of the Ukrainian nation and the sovereignty of Ukraine. We will do everything to make sure that you are not alone in this war. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to her heroes!”
As Serhii’s remains are laid to rest on Ukrainian soil, I would like, however, to remind his living comrades-in-arms about the message of General Patton, the greatest warrior of World War II, to his soldiers:
“No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.”
