The international exhibition project "FOR FREEDOM" was opened at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. The project was initiated by Meaghan Mobbs, the President of the R. T. Weatherman Foundation, and supported by Yurii Savchuk, the Director General of the War Museum. It was launched to commemorate the third anniversary of the International Legion’s establishment. The Foundation and Museum teams collaborated closely throughout the implementation process.
The exhibition was opened by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk. In his speech, the Head of the parliament emphasized: "As I observe the exhibition, I reflect on the fact that today marks the 1,100th day since the full-scale invasion. We have endured many trials together. Our shared prayers, experiences, victories, and losses are all captured in the exhibits on display. It is crucial now, more than ever, to support those who are defending Ukraine. Their contributions to our struggle are invaluable, regardless of where they come from."
- T. Weatherman Foundation Co-Founder Andrew Duncan emphasized the global significance of this fight: "We are gathered here today to confront the lies. The truth is that Vladimir Putin invaded sovereign Ukraine without provocation, kidnapping Ukrainian children, destroying cities, and threatening global security. But it is also true that brave men and women from around the world came to Ukraine not for money but for freedom and democracy. Their sacrifice should not be forgotten. If we want to keep America first, we must put freedom first. I could not stand by, knowing that I could help. This war is not just Ukraine’s fight, but the fight of the entire democratic world."
Concluding the ceremony, R. T. Weatherman Foundation President Meaghan Mobbs emphasized the profound meaning of the exhibit: "As you walk through this exhibit, I ask you to look. Look not just at the faces but feel the heart of the soldier that beats in each of them, in each of us. See the sacrifice, courage, and unwavering dedication to a cause greater than life itself.
Those on the front lines may never hear these words, but I hope they echo through time and space. We cannot, must not, and will not forget what they gave, what they lost, and what was taken from them.
This exhibition is not only about the past but also about the present and the future. There may come a time when not only Ukraine will have to stand between good and evil. And when that time comes, our battle cry must remain the same as theirs—"For Freedom."
Also speaking during the event were Colonel Ruslan Myroshnychenko, former commander of the 2nd International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine, exhibition curator Yurii Horpynych, foreign legionnaires, and families of fallen soldiers.
The international exhibition project "FOR FREEDOM" attracted considerable attention. The event was attended by the highest military command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrainian and foreign parliamentarians, diplomats, government officials, representatives of public organizations, charitable foundations, Ukrainian and international media.
"FOR FREEDOM" is a story of courage and solidarity, telling the story of thousands of volunteers from over 55 countries who stood alongside Ukrainians in defense of freedom and democratic values. Through artifacts, photos, documentary materials, and personal stories of the Defenders, the exhibition demonstrates the scale of international support for Ukraine. The project allows visitors to delve into the realities of war and the lives of foreign volunteers, understand their path to Ukraine, and realize the importance of global solidarity. This exhibition is about war and humanity, determination, and willingness to fight for freedom even far from home.
Curators of the exhibition project: Yurii Horpynych, Maryna Bohush, Lauren Guillaume, Mariia Samoryezova.
