A commemorative action was held in Washington near the Lincoln Memorial, dedicated to the 1,500th day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The event was organized by the US Ukrainian Activists (USUA), bringing together friends of Ukraine to jointly honor the victims of the war.
This was reported by US Ukrainian Activists.
The action was symbolic in nature and took place against the backdrop of a memorial that personifies freedom, unity and the struggle for human dignity. The central element was an installation in the form of a Ukrainian trident, laid out of candles on the steps of the memorial. This light symbol combined the memory of the dead and hope, emphasizing the invincibility of Ukrainian identity.
During the event, participants emphasized the duration of the war and its consequences. President of US Ukrainian Activists Nadiya Shaporynska drew a parallel between the 1,500 days of war and the symbolism of Good Friday in her speech, emphasizing that for Ukraine, suffering is a daily reality.
“Today marks 1,500 days since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. One thousand five hundred days of pain, resistance, loss – and indomitable courage. And today is also Good Friday… But in Ukraine, this suffering is not symbolic. It is experienced every day. Ukraine does not have the luxury of stopping. The war continues. The killings continue. The destruction continues – every day,” Shaporynska noted.
She also emphasized the importance of Ukraine's struggle for the democratic world:
"Ukraine is not only defending itself. Ukraine is defending the values of freedom and democracy - the very foundation of the free world.
This war must end not with silence, but with justice. Because when aggression is stopped, the world becomes safer. When justice prevails, peace can endure," says Shaporynska.”, – говорить Шапоринська.
The event was attended by invited speakers, including the representative of the Lithuanian-American community Diana Vidutis and the representative of "American Georgians for Progress" Gia Lomaya. Representatives of the Georgian community also joined the action.
After the speeches, the participants honored the memory of the victims with a minute of silence. The action ended with the performance of the National Anthem of Ukraine.
After the memorial part, the participants held a protest near the Russian Embassy on Boris Nemtsov Square in Washington. Participants emphasized the need for Russia to be held accountable for the crimes committed and for continued international pressure.
The event was also attended by representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, who joined in honoring the memory and supporting the Ukrainian community.
The organizers noted that the event was not only a tribute to the memory of the dead, but also a confirmation of the common position - to support Ukraine until it achieves justice, peace, and freedom.
Photo: US Ukrainian Activists, Hanna Proskura, Nadiya Shaporynska, David Smallwood, Jonathan Brook.
Author: Danylo Pievchev