A Ukrainian flag raising ceremony and a public gathering in support of Ukraine were held in Santa Clara County, California. The event brought together local authorities, diplomats, the Ukrainian community and veterans as part of a citizen diplomacy initiative.
This was reported by the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco and UNWLA Branch 107.
The event was reportedly held in the county’s administrative center and was part of a show of support for Ukraine in its fifth year of full-scale war. Participants stressed that Russian aggression is not just an attack on one state, but also a challenge to international order and security.
During the ceremony, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Otto Lee emphasized that the blue-and-yellow flag is a symbol of Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty, democracy and the rule of law.
“When we raise the blue and yellow flag over Santa Clara County, we affirm a simple but powerful principle: our local policies must reflect our global values,” he said.
In particular, county officials emphasized that local policies must reflect global values, and support for Ukraine is implemented not only through statements, but also through concrete actions - assistance to refugees, social programs, legal support, and promoting the integration of Ukrainians in the community.
The event was also attended by a Ukrainian delegation that arrived in the United States as part of the Open World program. This year's theme of the visit was related to the reintegration of veterans. A professional program was prepared for the delegates, including visits to the county's veterans services, the Veterans Affairs Administration, local public organizations, and colleges. The participants emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences and developing partnerships in this area.
“We came from a country where a terrible war is ongoing. Our country is a country of titanic warriors,” said one of the representatives of the Ukrainian delegation.
Separately, the participants honored the fallen Ukrainian defenders with a minute of silence. During the speeches, words of gratitude were expressed to the American people, local authorities and the Ukrainian diaspora for their support of Ukraine.
Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco Dmytro Kushneruk emphasized that the support of Santa Clara County is of particular importance for Ukraine.
“This is not only the work of governments. This is citizen diplomacy, and the Ukraine – Sister County Civil Diplomacy Commission is proof that real international influence can occur precisely here, through ties between people and mutual trust,” the diplomat noted.
It was also noted that a special civil diplomacy commission was created in the county, which, after the severance of ties with Russia, transformed into a platform for supporting Ukraine. It is actively developing partnerships, in particular, working to establish sisterly ties with the Kharkiv region.
In addition, the ceremony took place on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, which became another reason to recall the modern nuclear risks due to Russian actions, in particular the seizure of Ukrainian nuclear facilities.
The ceremony ended with the raising of the Ukrainian flag, the performance of Ukrainian songs and a cultural program. The participants of the event repeatedly chanted “Glory to Ukraine!” and emphasized that support for Ukraine will continue until a just peace.
Photo: Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco
Author: Inna Mikhno