The traditional celebration of Ukraine's Independence Day will take place in the US capital on August 22, which is being organized for the fifth year in a row by the public organization US Ukrainian Activists (USUA). The event will unite the Ukrainian community, friends of Ukraine, representatives of the diplomatic corps and American partners to celebrate Ukrainian independence, freedom and cultural heritage together.
This was reported US Ukrainian Activists (USUA).
The tradition of holding the celebration in Washington was started in 2022 by the president of US Ukrainian Activists (USUA) Nadiya Shaporynska. Since then, the organization has held a large-scale event dedicated to Ukraine's Independence Day every year.
This year, the celebration will take place on August 22 near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. The organizers explain the change of location by the fact that the area near the White House, where the official part of the event was held in previous years, currently remains closed.
The program includes official speeches, the ceremonial unfurling of a giant Ukrainian flag, a festive procession, and a concert of Ukrainian music and dance.
At 5:00 p.m., participants will gather on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. An official program with speakers and musical performers will continue from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. This will be followed by the unfurling of the largest Ukrainian flag and a procession that will start and end near the Lincoln Memorial. The evening will end with a concert by Ukrainian artists that will last until 8:15 p.m.
Organizers urge participants to come wearing embroidered shirts or clothing with Ukrainian symbols, and to bring Ukrainian national flags and yellow-blue balloons.
Special attention during the event will be paid to honoring Ukrainian defenders and victims of Russian aggression. Organizers say this year’s celebration will also be an opportunity to remember the consequences of Russia’s long-running war against Ukraine and express support for the Ukrainian people.
“Join us for a rally, a giant Ukrainian flag display, a march, and a concert. Together we will honor the Independence, Freedom, Heritage, and Culture of Ukraine,” the US Ukrainian Activists call.
The event is open to all — both representatives of the Ukrainian community and Americans and other friends of Ukraine. To participate, the organizers recommend registering in advance through the event pages on Eventbrite and Facebook.
The celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day in Washington has already become an annual tradition of the Ukrainian community in the US capital and one of the largest Ukrainian public events in the country, demonstrating the unity of the community and unwavering support for Ukraine.
Photo: Valentina Kharhun
Author: Inna Mikhno