Because of all of you – v5 Завдяки вам усім – v4 #поезія #StandWithUkraine #Україна #захисники #перемога #мир #Славагероям #культура #ідентичність #єдність #любов #дух #спадщина #ТарасШевченко #українська #ChekaFest #вишиванка #ІринаЦибух #ЧК #ОленаІваненко #poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

Through your conscious efforts and strength of spirit,
You bring each of them closer to yourself every day,
A Moment of Honor, a Minute of Silence,
when you pause as a people, as a nation...
You honor their service, their sacrifice,
preserving the memory of every hero,
of those who gave their lives...
 
Though they have fallen, they continue to live
Thanks to your devotion, your honor,
as a nation, as a people, as a sign of fidelity...
Though each has been taken from you...
Because of all of you, they live on...
 
You honor their sacrifice
for the sake of your nation, for Ukraine...
Their memory is not forgotten…
Your finest sons and daughters,
taken from you, far too young...
You hold each of them close,
They are as close as your breath...
 
Though they have fallen, they continue to live
Thanks to your devotion, your honor,
as a nation, as a people, as a sign of fidelity...
Though each has been taken from you...
Because of all of you, they live on...
 
---------------------
Revised June 8, 2026
Because of all of you – v5
 
after translated into Ukrainian and back to English
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh
Cheka Fest
чекафест
Happy Birthday Iryna.
June 1, 1998 - May 29, 2024
Glory to the Heroes
Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦
moment of honor
minute of silence
Перекладено 8 червня 2026 року
Завдяки вам усім – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/v4.html
Edited 6 June, 2026
Because of all of you – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/because-of-all-of-you-v4.html
1 June, 2026
Because of all of you
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/because-of-all-of-you.html
Edited May 27, 2026
Cheka, One Voice – Version 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/cheka-one-voice-version-2.html
Cheka Fest 2.0, 30/5/26, Lviv
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/?hl=en
https://lviv.kontramarka.ua/en/cekafest-u-lvovi-105450.html
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYzB4zKsMyD/
“To remember the dead is to appreciate the living.”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025, in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited March 21, 2026
Unity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/unity-v2.html
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html 

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com )  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Cheka Fest, Iryna Tsybukh, Cheka, Moment of Honor, Minute of Silence, Вшануй, Honor,

#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor
 

Because of all of you – v4 Завдяки вам усім – v4 #поезія #StandWithUkraine #Україна #захисники #перемога #мир #Славагероям #культура #ідентичність #єдність #любов #дух #спадщина #ТарасШевченко #українська #ChekaFest #вишиванка #ІринаЦибух #ЧК #ОленаІваненко #poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

By your conscious efforts, your spirits,
You draw each of them to you, daily,
A Moment of Honor, a Minute of Silence,
stopping as a people, a nation...
You honor their service, their sacrifice,
holding the memory of each hero,
those who have paid the price...

They live, though they have fallen
owing to your devotion, your reverence,
as a nation, as a people, fidelity...
Though they have been taken from you...
Because of all of you... They live...
 
You honor their sacrifice
for your nation, for Ukraine...
Their memory is not forgotten...
Your best sons and daughters
taken too young from you...
You hold each of them closely,
They are as close as breath...

They live, though they have fallen
owing to your devotion, your reverence,
as a nation, as a people, fidelity...
Though they have been taken from you...
Because of all of you... They live...

‐-------
Edited 6 June, 2026
Because of all of you – v4
 
Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh
Cheka Fest
чекафест
Happy Birthday Iryna.
June 1, 1998 - May 29, 2024
Glory to the Heroes
Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦
moment of honor
minute of silence
Edited 2 June, 2026
Because of all of you – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/because-of-all-of-you-v3.html
edited 1 June, 2026
Because of all of you – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/because-of-all-of-you-v2-poetry.html
1 June, 2026
Because of all of you
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/because-of-all-of-you.html
Edited May 27, 2026
Cheka, One Voice – Version 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/cheka-one-voice-version-2.html
Cheka Fest 2.0, 30/5/26, Lviv
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/?hl=en
https://lviv.kontramarka.ua/en/cekafest-u-lvovi-105450.html
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYzB4zKsMyD/
“To remember the dead is to appreciate the living.”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025, in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited March 21, 2026
Unity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/unity-v2.html
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com )  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Cheka Fest, Iryna Tsybukh, Cheka, Moment of Honor, Minute of Silence, Вшануй, Honor,

#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

Because of all of you – v3 #poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

Your conscious efforts, your spirits,
drawing each of them to you daily,
A Moment of Honor, a Minute of Silence,
stopping as a people, a nation...
You honor their service, their sacrifice,
the memory of each hero,
those who have paid the price...

Because of all of you
They live though they have fallen...
Though they have been taken from you...
Because of all of you... They live...
 
You honor their sacrifice
for your nation, for Ukraine...
Their memory is not forgotten...
Your best sons and daughters
taken too young from you...
You hold each of them closely,
They are as close as breath...
 
Because of all of you
They live though they have fallen...
Though they have been taken from you...
Because of all of you... They live...

‐-------
Edited 2 June, 2026
Because of all of you – v3

Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh
Cheka Fest
чекафест
Happy Birthday Iryna.
June 1, 1998 - May 29, 2024
Forever 25
Glory to the Heroes
Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦
moment of honor
minute of silence
edited 1 June, 2026
Because of all of you – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/because-of-all-of-you-v2-poetry.html
1 June, 2026
Because of all of you
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/because-of-all-of-you.html
Edited May 27, 2026
Cheka, One Voice – Version 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/cheka-one-voice-version-2.html
Cheka Fest 2.0, 30/5/26, Lviv
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/?hl=en
https://lviv.kontramarka.ua/en/cekafest-u-lvovi-105450.html
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYzB4zKsMyD/
“To remember the dead is to appreciate the living.”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025, in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited March 21, 2026
Unity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/unity-v2.html
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com )  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Cheka Fest, Iryna Tsybukh, Cheka, Moment of Honor, Minute of Silence, Вшануй, Honor,

#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

Because of all of you – v2 #poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

Your conscious efforts, your spirits,
drawing them to you every day...
You honor their service, their memory,
holding them so closely, as close as breath...

Because of all of you
They live though they have fallen...
Though they have been taken from you...
Because of all of you, They live...
 
Their sacrifice is honored,
Their memory is not forgotten...
You hold each of them closely,
They are with you, as close as breath...
 
Because of all of you
They live though they have fallen...
Though they have been taken from you...
Because of all of you, They live...

‐-------
edited 1 June, 2026
Because of all of you – v2

Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh
Cheka Fest
чекафест
Happy Birthday Iryna.
June 1, 1998 - May 29, 2024
forever 25
Glory to the Heroes
Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦
moment of honor
minute of silence
Edited May 27, 2026
Cheka, One Voice – Version 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/cheka-one-voice-version-2.html
Cheka Fest 2.0, 30/5/26, Lviv
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/?hl=en
https://lviv.kontramarka.ua/en/cekafest-u-lvovi-105450.html
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYzB4zKsMyD/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYC12lxjXEm/
“To remember the dead is to appreciate the living.”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025, in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited March 21, 2026
Unity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/unity-v2.html
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Instagram post by Olena_Ivanenko_rij
https://www.instagram.com/stories/olena_ivanenko_rij/3835849990073791731/
“Хвилина памʼяті
згадувала братів за якими дуже сумую
кожен день 9:00 честь”
“A moment of remembrance
remembered the brothers I miss so much
every day 9:00 honor.”
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html 
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com )  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Cheka Fest, Iryna Tsybukh, Cheka, Moment of Honor, Minute of Silence, Вшануй, Honor,

#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

Because of all of you #Cheka, “#One #Voice” #poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

Your conscious efforts, your spirits,
drawing them to you every day
honoring their service, their memory,
holding them so closely, as close as breath...

Because of all of you
they live though they have fallen
though they have been taken by this war...
Because of all of you they live...

‐-------
1 June, 2026
Because of all of you
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/06/because-of-all-of-you.html
Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh
Cheka Fest
чекафест
Happy Birthday Iryna.
June 1, 1998 - May 29, 2024
forever 25
Glory to the Heroes
Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦
moment of honor
minute of silence
Edited May 27, 2026
Cheka, One Voice – Version 2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/05/cheka-one-voice-version-2.html
Cheka Fest 2.0, 30/5/26, Lviv
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/?hl=en
https://lviv.kontramarka.ua/en/cekafest-u-lvovi-105450.html
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYzB4zKsMyD/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYC12lxjXEm/
“To remember the dead is to appreciate the living.”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025, in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited March 21, 2026
Unity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/unity-v2.html
February 24, 2026 (Fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion)
RUSSIA COLLAPSE: PUTIN’S BIGGEST FAILURE Vlog 1330: War in Ukraine
https://youtu.be/xWK3b5zJS-A?si=E0PvX7YzjsF9rmyh
From post by Anna Danylchuk (Anna from Ukraine)
February 20, 2026
Dignity, existence
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/dignity-existence.html
The Heavenly Hundred heroes, protesters killed during Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Instagram post by Olena_Ivanenko_rij
https://www.instagram.com/stories/olena_ivanenko_rij/3835849990073791731/
“Хвилина памʼяті
згадувала братів за якими дуже сумую
кожен день 9:00 честь”
“A moment of remembrance
remembered the brothers I miss so much
every day 9:00 honor.”
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html 
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.

poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Cheka Fest, Iryna Tsybukh, Cheka, Moment of Honor, Minute of Silence, Вшануй, Honor,

#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor
 

You hold each of them so closely – v3 #poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko

I see your deep love for one another,
for each one of your fallen, your comrades,
They are alive in you, so real, so precious,
a part of each one of you, present with you,
gathering your honored dead to you, lovingly,
ever present, today, now, alive, as close as breath…
 
They are part of you, your fabric, your identity,
part of you in each moment, in every breath,
alive with you now in the present, your fallen
as threads woven in a vyshyvanka, your culture,
hand to heart, to linen, washed in precious blood,
in their sacrifice for your homeland, your country
They are forever one, Ukraine…
 
I see how you honor them, in each moment,
In time standing still, in remembrance, each day,
in a continuous procession, rituals of memory, touching,
sacred days woven into your collective lives, together,
how you hold them to you, to your hearts, forever,
ever present, today, now, alive, as close as breath…
 
You hold each of them closely, forever, present,
you do not forget your fallen, your comrades,
holding each one of them as close as breath,
their legacy of love, of sacrifice, a bond sustaining,
Your honored dead are with you, present, living, alive,
in their sacrifice for your homeland, for your country,
They are forever one, Ukraine…
 
-------
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Instagram post by Olena_Ivanenko_rij
https://www.instagram.com/stories/olena_ivanenko_rij/3835849990073791731/
“Хвилина памʼяті
згадувала братів за якими дуже сумую
кожен день 9:00 честь”
“A moment of remembrance
remembered the brothers I miss so much
every day 9:00 honor.”
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26^th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited February 17, 2026
The present memory of that day – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-present-memory-of-that-day-v3.html
Memory of February 24, 2022,
the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion,
as described by a defender of Ukraine
on February 25, 2025
February 17, 2026
Justice must come
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/justice-must-come.html
Russia’s full scale-invasion of Ukraine,
Endless war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Edited February 17, 2026
Scorched Earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/scorched-earth-v2.html
Based on #Habakkuk1:5-11
Based on Habakkuk 1:2a
Based on Habakkuk 1:1-11
Sermon by Nate Labadorf
Griggs Memorial Baptist Church
Russia’s full scale-invasion of Ukraine, and their destruction
of cities and villages throughout Ukraine.
Edited February 16, 2026
eating like locusts – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/eating-like-locusts-v2.html
Russia’s full scale-invasion of Ukraine, and their destruction
of cities and villages throughout Ukraine.
Edited February 14, 2026
touching bleeding flesh – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v3.html
on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
and the thirty-fifth anniversary of my father’s black-ice fatal car accident, February 14, 1991.
Edited February 26, 2025
touching bleeding flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v2.html
"The present memory of that day" is both 2/24/2022 for Ukraine and Ukrainians
and 2/14/1991 for me personally. I am using my experience of detailed visceral
images of lifting the blood and brains of my father to give even a touch of
authenticity to this poem, merging my conversation with one defender and
the words of that other defender yesterday to write "touching bleeding flesh "
February 14, 2026
Days turned to Years
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/days-have-turned-to-years.html
On the Fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, February 24, 2026
Edited February 13, 2026
touching bleeding flesh – v2 – defender
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v2-written-by.html
(written by a decorated medic on the front lines in Ukraine)
Edited February 13, 2026
The Cost of Dignity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/the-cost-of-dignity-v2.html
 Ukraine Olympic flagbearer and Skeleton slider, Vladyslav Heraskevych, and helmet of honor
Edited December 28, 2025
echoes of the metronome – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/echoes-of-metronome-v3.html
during Moment of Honor (Вшануй), at 9:00am daily in Ukraine
https://www.threads.com/@moment_of_honor
https://www.facebook.com/momentofhonor/
https://www.instagram.com/moment_of_honor/
“We are a team that promotes the Minute of Silence
Edited December 23, 2025
no minute of silence – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/12/no-minute-of-silence-v3.html
based on an Instagram post by Julia Kochetova,
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DRH98GHiKSp/
Edited August 20, 2025
Flying from every flagpole – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/flying-from-every-flagpole-v5.html
June 4, 2025
to remember the dead
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/06/to-remember-dead.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
2,000 participants remembered fallen combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh,
who died May 29, 2024, days before her 26^th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited May 22, 2025
You hold each of them so closely – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v2.html
video (https://www.instagram.com/p/DHlbX7MtEjg/) of Ukrainian women defenders making Ukrainian Easter eggs with a picture of combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh on the table.
Edited April 4, 2025
sisters in arms – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/sisters-in-arms-v3.html
written after reading post by defender of Ukraine about serving as
a woman in the army, for International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025
February 27, 2025
touching bleeding flesh
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-defender.html
(written by a decorated medic on the front lines in Ukraine)
Edited February 26, 2025
touching bleeding flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v2.html
Edited February 26, 2025
The present memory of that day – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-present-memory-of-that-day-v2.html
February 25, 2025
Memory of February 24, 2022
as described by a defender of Ukraine, in uniform since 2013.
edited February 15, 2025
Three years of terror, of genocide – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/three-years-of-terror-genocide-v2.html
March 5, 2022
Don’t give Ukraine to the Madman
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/03/dont-give-ukraine-to-madman.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, Russia, NATO, war, invasion, Putin, terror, genocide, Crimea, 1000 Days, Four Years, Europe, Zelenskyy, Trump,  Stand With Ukraine, full-scale invasion, Вшануй,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #Russia #NATO #war #invasion #terror #genocide #StandWithUkraine #FourYears #Europe #Zelenskyy #Trump #Putin #OlenaIvanenko #MomentofHonor #Вшануй #IrynaTsybukh
 
--------------
poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Iryna Tsybukh, Cheka, Cheka Fest,
 
#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko

#Cheka, “#One #Voice” – Version 2 #poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

An example, a model,
a reflection of the nation...
A volunteer, a medic,
a lone soul on the front lines...
 
Iryna, Cheka, “One Voice,”
killed by the Muscovites...
But a moment of silence,
a moment of honor will rise...
 
Now they gather with her,
with her mother Oksana...
A flock of sisters, a nation,
uniting to honor her soul...
 
Every defender is special,
just as worthy as she was...
Together they honor –
All who answered the call...
 
The nation rises united
under their single banner...
Songs of ancient kobzars,
Sung for their Ukraine...

 
-------
Edited May 27, 2026
Cheka, One Voice – Version 2
 
Cheka Fest 2.0, 5/30/26, Lviv
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/?hl=en
https://lviv.kontramarka.ua/en/cekafest-u-lvovi-105450.html
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYzB4zKsMyD/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYC12lxjXEm/
“To remember the fallen is to value the living.”
Quote from a defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025, in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants honored the memory of the fallen
combat medic Iryna “Cheka” Tsybukh, who died on May 29, 2024,
just days before her 26th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
 
Edited March 21, 2026
Unity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/unity-v2.html
February 24, 2026 (Fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion)
RUSSIA COLLAPSE: PUTIN’S BIGGEST FAILURE Vlog 1330: War in Ukraine
https://youtu.be/xWK3b5zJS-A?si=E0PvX7YzjsF9rmyh
From post by Anna Danylchuk (Anna from Ukraine)
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Instagram post by Olena_Ivanenko_rij
https://www.instagram.com/stories/olena_ivanenko_rij/3835849990073791731/
“Хвилина памʼяті
згадувала братів за якими дуже сумую
кожен день 9:00 честь”
“A moment of remembrance remembered the brothers
I miss so much every day 9:00 honor.”
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Cheka Fest, Iryna Tsybukh, Cheka, Moment of Honor, Minute of Silence, Вшануй, Honor,
 
#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

#Чека, «#Один #голос» – версія 2 #поезія #StandWithUkraine #Україна #захисники #перемога #мир #Славагероям #культура #ідентичність #єдність #любов #дух #спадщина #ТарасШевченко #українська #ChekaFest #вишиванка #ІринаЦибух #ЧК #ОленаІваненко #вшануй #Honor

Приклад, зразок,
віддзеркалення нації...
Волонтерка, медичка,
єдина душа на передовій...
 
Ірина, Чека, «Один голос»,
загибла від рук москалів...
Але Хвилина мовчання,
Момент честі підніметься...
 
Тепер вони збираються з нею,
з її матір'ю Оксаною...
Зграя сестер, нація,
Об'єднуються, щоб вшанувати її душу...
 
Кожен захисник особливий,
такий же гідний, як і вона...
Разом вони вшановують –
Всіх, хто відгукнувся на заклик...
 
Нація піднімається об'єднаною
під їхнім єдиним прапором...
Пісні стародавніх кобзарів,
Співають для своєї України...
 
-------
Відредаговано 27 травня 2026 року
Чека, «Один голос» – версія 2
 
Cheka Fest 2.0, 30/5/26, Львів
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/?hl=en
https://lviv.kontramarka.ua/en/cekafest-u-lvovi-105450.html
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYzB4zKsMyD/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYC12lxjXEm/
«Пам’ятати про загиблих — це цінувати живих».
Цитата захисника про Cheka Fest, 1 червня 2025 року, у Львові,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
де 2000 учасників вшанували пам'ять загиблої
бойової медички Ірини «Чеки» Цибух, яка померла 29 травня 2024 року,
за кілька днів до свого 26-го дня народження 1 червня 2024 року.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Edited March 21, 2026
Unity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/unity-v2.html
February 24, 2026 (Fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion)
RUSSIA COLLAPSE: PUTIN’S BIGGEST FAILURE Vlog 1330: War in Ukraine
https://youtu.be/xWK3b5zJS-A?si=E0PvX7YzjsF9rmyh
From post by Anna Danylchuk (Anna from Ukraine)
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Instagram post by Olena_Ivanenko_rij
https://www.instagram.com/stories/olena_ivanenko_rij/3835849990073791731/
“Хвилина памʼяті
згадувала братів за якими дуже сумую
кожен день 9:00 честь”
“A moment of remembrance remembered the brothers
I miss so much every day 9:00 honor.”
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv
 
Всі мої вірші, фотографії та відеозаписи захищені авторським правом Реймонда А. Фосса, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 та 2026. Всі права захищені. З питань використання звертайтеся до мене, Рея Фосса (raymondafoss@gmail.com). Мої вірші можна переглянути на сайті www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Поезія там, де ви живете.
 
поезія, Україна, захисники, перемога, мир, Stand With Ukraine, Слава героям, культура, ідентичність, єдність, любов, дух, спадщина, Тарас Шевченко, українська, Cheka Fest, Ірина Цибух, Cheka, Хвилина пошани, Хвилина мовчання, Вшануй, Пошана,
 
#поезія #StandWithUkraine #Україна #захисники #перемога #мир #Славагероям #культура #ідентичність #єдність #любов #дух #спадщина #ТарасШевченко #українська #ChekaFest #вишиванка #ІринаЦибух #ЧК #ОленаІваненко #вшануй #Honor

#Cheka, One #Voice – v2 #poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

An exemplar, a model,
a reflection of a nation...
A volunteer, a medic,
One soul in the breach...
 
Iryna, Cheka, One Voice,
cut down by the Moskals...
But a Minute of Silence,
a Moment of Honor would rise...
 
They now gather with her,
with her Mother Oksana...
A band of sisters, a nation,
Join to honor her soul...
 
Every defender is special,
as worthy as she is...
Together they honor -
All who answered the call...
 
A nation rises united
under their one banner...
Songs of the ancient Kobzars,
Singing for their Ukraine...

 
-------
Edited May 27, 2026
Cheka, One Voice – v2
 
Cheka Fest 2.0, 30/5/26, Lviv
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/?hl=en
https://lviv.kontramarka.ua/en/cekafest-u-lvovi-105450.html
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYzB4zKsMyD/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYC12lxjXEm/
“To remember the dead is to appreciate the living.”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025, in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26^th birthday on June 1, 2024.
Edited March 21, 2026
Unity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/unity-v2.html
February 24, 2026 (Fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion)
RUSSIA COLLAPSE: PUTIN’S BIGGEST FAILURE Vlog 1330: War in Ukraine
https://youtu.be/xWK3b5zJS-A?si=E0PvX7YzjsF9rmyh
From post by Anna Danylchuk (Anna from Ukraine)
February 20, 2026
Dignity, existence
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/dignity-existence.html
The Heavenly Hundred heroes, protesters killed during Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Instagram post by Olena_Ivanenko_rij
https://www.instagram.com/stories/olena_ivanenko_rij/3835849990073791731/
“Хвилина памʼяті
згадувала братів за якими дуже сумую
кожен день 9:00 честь”
“A moment of remembrance
remembered the brothers I miss so much
every day 9:00 honor.”
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Cheka Fest, Iryna Tsybukh, Cheka, Moment of Honor, Minute of Silence, Вшануй, Honor,
 
#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko #вшануй #Honor

#Cheka, one #voice Iryna "Cheka" #Tsybukh #ChekaFest #poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko

An exemplar, a model,
a vision of a nation,
a volunteer, a medic,
One soul in the breach...
 
Cheka, one voice,
cut down by the Moskals,
but a Minute of Silence,
a Moment of Honor would rise...
 
They now gather
with her Mother Oksana,
a band of sisters, a nation,
to honor her soul...
 
Every defender is special,
worthy as she is...
Together they honor
all who answered the call...
 
A nation rising united,
under their one banner,
Songs of the ancient Kobzars,
Singing for Ukraine...
 
-------
May 27, 2026
Cheka, one voice
 
Cheka Fest 2.0
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/?hl=en
https://lviv.kontramarka.ua/en/cekafest-u-lvovi-105450.html
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYzB4zKsMyD/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYC12lxjXEm/
30/5/26
Edited March 21, 2026
Unity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/03/unity-v2.html
February 24, 2026 (Fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion)
RUSSIA COLLAPSE: PUTIN’S BIGGEST FAILURE Vlog 1330: War in Ukraine
https://youtu.be/xWK3b5zJS-A?si=E0PvX7YzjsF9rmyh
From post by Anna Danylchuk (Anna from Ukraine)
February 20, 2026
Dignity, existence
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/dignity-existence.html
The Heavenly Hundred heroes, the protesters killed during Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity
Edited February 19, 2026
You hold each of them so closely – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v3.html
February 19, 2026
Every. Single. Day.
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/every-single-day.html
Instagram post by Olena_Ivanenko_rij
https://www.instagram.com/stories/olena_ivanenko_rij/3835849990073791731/
“Хвилина памʼяті
згадувала братів за якими дуже сумую
кожен день 9:00 честь”
“A moment of remembrance
remembered the brothers I miss so much
every day 9:00 honor.”
Edited February 18, 2026
to remember the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2026/02/to-remember-dead-v2.html
“to remember the dead is to appreciate the living”
Quote by defender about Cheka Fest, June 1, 2025 in Lviv,
https://www.instagram.com/cheka.fest/
where 2,000 participants remembered fallen
combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh, who died May 29, 2024,
days before her 26^th birthday on June 1, 2024.
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Cheka Fest, Iryna Tsybukh, Cheka, Moment of Honor, Minute of Silence, 
 
#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #ChekaFest #Vyshyvanka #IrynaTsybukh #Cheka #OlenaIvanenko