Ukraine Observes National Police Day and Forensic Expert Day on July 4

Ukraine’s Holidays on July 4

According to Главком: On July 4, 2026, Ukraine marks three observances: National Police Day, Forensic Expert Day, and Cornflower Day. The National Police Day was originally established by a presidential decree on December 9, 2015, but was later moved from August 4 to July 4 in 2018. This date commemorates the swearing-in of the first 2,000 patrol police officers on Sofia Square in Kyiv on July 4, 2015.

Forensic Expert Day, also celebrated on July 4, was introduced by President Viktor Yushchenko’s decree on June 10, 2009. Currently, Ukraine has about 6,000 certified forensic experts, of whom 1,400 serve as state forensic experts. Additionally, Cornflower Day honors the cornflower, a symbol deeply rooted in Ukrainian culture.

International Events on July 4

Globally, July 4 is celebrated as U.S. Independence Day, marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This historic act was carried out by representatives of the thirteen British colonies, with 56 delegates signing the document. The average age of these delegates was 45; the youngest, Thomas Lynch Jr., was just 27, while the oldest, Benjamin Franklin, was 70. Notably, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third U.S. presidents, both died on July 4, 1826.

July 4 also marks International Dnipro Day, which in 2026 falls on the first Saturday of the month, and International Day of Cooperatives, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1992. This day highlights the importance of the cooperative movement worldwide-after their first year, only 10% of cooperatives fail, compared to 60–80% of typical small businesses.

On the religious front, Orthodox Christians commemorate Saint Andrew of Crete. Andrew, who was mute from birth until age seven, entered the monastery of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified near Jerusalem at the age of 14.

Historical events that occurred on this day include:

• 1631 - The world’s first employment agency opened in Paris,
• 1865 - Lewis Carroll’s book 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland' was first published,
• 1917 - The Polubotkivtsi uprising took place in Kyiv,
• 1946 - Königsberg was renamed Kaliningrad,
• 2022 - Ukrainian troops landed on Snake Island.

People named Andriy, Marta, and Teodor celebrate their name days on July 4. This date carries deep traditions and significance both within Ukraine and internationally, bridging various aspects of public life.

The celebrations of National Police Day and other events on July 4 underscore the role of these institutions in upholding law and justice in Ukraine. Forensic Expert Day further emphasizes the need for professionalism and expertise in the country’s legal system. In the broader international context, U.S. Independence Day and International Day of Cooperatives highlight global cooperation and shared values that can serve as inspiration for Ukraine’s ongoing development and reform.

As Ukraine celebrates its law enforcement milestones today, it is also essential to reflect on the journey of the National Police since its establishment. The recent 11th anniversary of the National Police highlights significant developments and the evolving role of police in ensuring public safety and justice in the country.