On January 1, the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, hosted the first ringing of the "Solidarity Bell" - a unique symbol of unity with Ukraine. This bell is made of shell casings collected after the fighting in Ukraine and is decorated with Taras Shevchenko's lines "The truth will rise! The will will rise!" and the slogan "Glory to Ukraine - glory to heroes".
This was reported by the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA.
"The "Solidarity Bell" made of melted shell casings from Ukraine rings today in Washington's main cathedral, the Washington National Cathedral, to inaugurate the Year of Ukraine. We thank Americans for their solidarity with Ukraine. We remember in our prayers the victims of the terrible attack in New Orleans and all the people of Ukraine. We pray for victory and a just peace," said Oksana Markarova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States. said by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova.
The bell dedication ceremony took place the day before during the New Year's Eve service at the National Bell Festival. This year's festival is dedicated to Ukraine to draw attention to its cultural heritage and struggle for freedom.
Mykhailo Savkiv, president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, noted that the bell represents a call to unity and support for Ukraine:
"In both the ecclesiastical and human sense, the bell symbolizes hope and calling. For us, this vocation is to unite others in support of Ukraine," Savkiv emphasized.
After the service, the Solidarity Bell will be presented to the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden and later transferred to the U.S. National Archives.
In addition to commemorating the Ukrainian struggle for freedom, the bell symbolizes international support and hope for peace in the New Year.
"The Solidarity Bell for Ukraine is a symbol of America's continued commitment to protecting Ukraine's sovereignty," added CYM Baltimore/DC.
Photo: Yaroslav Dovgopol
Author: Inna Mikhno