A gala evening dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II was held in Palm Springs, California, at the Aviation Museum. The annual event was attended by Ukrainian veterans undergoing prosthetics and rehabilitation in the United States. The event was supported by the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco and the Protez Foundation.
This was reported by Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco.
This year's event was titled “Voices of Valor - A Tribute to the Greatest Generation”. The goal is to honor veterans who fought for freedom during World War II. The festivities began with a march of soldiers currently undergoing rehabilitation in the United States, who carried the raised Ukrainian national flag to loud applause.
It is worth noting that the Ukrainian soldiers who are currently fighting for freedom and independence for the first time officially represented Ukraine at the international level during this celebration.
The event was attended by delegations from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and American veterans. While previously the peoples of the former USSR were represented by Russians, this year, for the first time, Ukrainian heroes performed under the national flag at the anniversary event.
“Today, Russia is trying to privatize the victory in World War II. But the real history cannot be hidden: 80 years ago, Nazism was stopped and defeated by the joint efforts of many nations. Millions of Ukrainians gave their lives for the victory. Unfortunately, Ukrainian veterans of World War II were not able to come to the United States. Some of them are internally displaced, some were killed by Russian invaders. However, the heroes of the new war for freedom in Europe are honored to represent our country at this important event,” said Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco Dmytro Kushneruk.
According to Fred Bell, Vice President of the Palm Springs Air Museum, the presence of Ukrainian veterans at the event, given the enormous sacrifices and contribution of Ukraine to the common victory in World War II, is a strong testament to the common history.
“As the main battlefield on the Eastern Front, Ukraine witnessed and participated in some of the most decisive battles of the war. The population of Ukraine suffered massive casualties and destruction, and the country's resources were vital to ensuring the final victory. Ukraine played a crucial role in the Allied war effort, suffering immensely and at the same time making a significant contribution to the defeat of the Nazis. Today, as it was 80 years ago, the sacrifice and resilience of the Ukrainian people is truly admirable and highly respected,” said Fred Bell, Vice President of the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Author: Danylo Pievchev