Memorable day was set according to the Decree of the President of Ukraine "On the Day of grief and commemorate the victims of the war in Ukraine" dated 17 November 2000, 1245/2000 on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the start of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. In accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine, the memorial date set in Ukraine "...to the purpose of a national commemoration of sons and daughters of the Ukrainian people who died during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, their heroism and sacrifice ... to support the initiatives of NGOs ... ".

Traditionally, in Ukraine on this day officials lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Square of Glory in Kiev. Across the country, there are memorial events held mourning ceremonies.