By Scott L.
I’m a fairly average 30-something Canadian just trying to figure out life. Yet, like millions of people around the globe, my perspective on the world—and my living room wall—has been forever changed by Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
I’ve always stayed closely informed on geopolitics, following events in Ukraine since 2014. When the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, keeping up with the news became a daily ritual, guided by dedicated journalists and independent creators on the ground. Over time, watching from afar was no longer enough—I wanted to do something tangible.
From a Single Donation to a Story in Symbols
In 2023, I came across an Estonian organization called HELP99, operating under the name NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade, running fundraising campaigns to deliver vital vehicles and equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Their approach was simple: donate €100, and receive a commemorative patch in return.
At first, I felt a pang of guilt about receiving something in exchange for a donation. It didn't take long, however, to realize the quiet brilliance of the idea—it inspired people to give far more generously, turning acts of charity into shared milestones. I became a regular donor.
Over the next few years, the patches began to accumulate. Arranged together, my wall started to echo the famous chevron boards seen in the Office of the President of Ukraine. Those donation patches were remarkable—they told the unfolding story of the war through art, humor, and symbolism, uniting supporters from every corner of the globe.
Crafting a Place of Honor
While the fundraising patches told the story of global solidarity, I felt drawn to create something deeper—a dedicated place of honor for the Ukrainian troops themselves, crafted with beauty and reverence.
I began collecting authentic chevrons representing the full spectrum of the Ukrainian Armed Forces:
- Assault and mechanized brigades
- Reconnaissance and unmanned systems units
- Special Forces and Marines
- Territorial Defense and anti-aircraft crews
- Support, logistics, and combat medics
Eventually, I gathered enough insignia to fill an entire display panel. Right now, I’m even picking up a few woodworking and carpentry skills so I can hand-build a custom frame for it this Christmas.
Because I love hosting friends and spend hours each week on online calls, I wanted this centerpiece on my wall to be more than just striking decor—I wanted it to spark curiosity, reflection, and meaningful conversations about Ukraine.
Passing the Torch
As the display neared completion, I found myself with several extra patches that wouldn't fit on the board. Rather than tucking them away in a drawer, I packaged them up and brought them to a local fundraising event for Ukraine, offering them up to raise additional support.
They were an instant hit. Several attendees already had collections of their own and were thrilled to add new insignia to their displays, proving just how deeply these symbols resonate even thousands of kilometers away from the front lines.
Why Every Patch Matters
"There is immense power in the symbolism of these chevrons. Each one represents hundreds or thousands of people risking everything to defend their families, their nation, and their future—as well as those who have already given their lives."
Those men and women are the reason Ukraine will never surrender. They are the light holding back a tide of darkness that must be defeated, and supporting them is both a personal and a collective duty.
Too often, the true stakes of Ukraine’s struggle are insufficiently understood here in my country. That is why I built this collection. Every single day, it reminds me why I stand with Ukraine—and gives everyone who sees it a moment to pause, reflect on what it represents, and understand why it means so much to me and so many others.
