Dozens of American states and cities celebrated the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. Official proclamations by governors and mayors, Ukrainian flag-raising ceremonies, marches, charity runs, concerts, art exhibitions, and prayer events once again demonstrated the unwavering support for Ukraine from American communities and the Ukrainian diaspora.
This was reported by the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, Ukrainian public organizations, churches, and educational institutions in the United States.
On the eve and on Ukrainian Independence Day, governors, mayors, and local community leaders across the United States issued official proclamations declaring August 24 as Ukrainian Independence Day and marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukrainian statehood.
Among the documents released are proclamations from the governors of Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, and Ohio, the mayor of Washington, D.C., as well as the cities of Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, North Port (Florida), West Haven and New Haven and other communities. The documents emphasize the resilience of the Ukrainian people, their struggle for freedom, and the important contribution of Ukrainian Americans to the development of local communities.
Embassy of Ukraine in the United States reported, that official announcements continue to come from various states and cities in the country. The diplomatic mission thanked governors, mayors, local leaders, consuls general and honorary consuls, and Ukrainian communities for their support of Ukraine and strengthening Ukrainian-American ties.
In Philadelphia, clergy, representatives of the Ukrainian community, believers, and friends of Ukraine gathered for a joint prayer for Ukraine on the eve of Independence Day. The Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia joined the event.
In Milwaukee, a solemn raising of the Ukrainian flag took place took place in the rotunda of the city hall. Representatives of the Ukrainian community received an official proclamation from the city authorities, and as a sign of gratitude, they presented the city administration with a traditional Ukrainian loaf. In addition, the Ukrainian community in Wisconsin has two more proclamations for the Independence Day of Ukraine: from the governor of Wisconsin and the city of Madison.
In Chicago, Ukrainians held a Unity March dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence. Participants carried Ukrainian flags and portraits of fallen defenders of Ukraine, honoring their feat.
In Seattle, the Ukraine Defense Support organization held a 5-kilometer charity run and walk along the waterfront. The goal of the event was to draw attention to the war in Ukraine and raise funds for generators for Ukrainians. According to organizers, the participants were actively supported by local residents.
In Jersey City, almost 200 participants gathered for the traditional sixth charity 5K run and walk, which this year included a separate children's race for the first time. Organizers emphasized that the event was not only a sporting event, but also a demonstration of the unity of the Ukrainian community and support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian educational institutions also joined the celebrations. Students and teachers of the Hetman Petro Konashevych-Sagaydachny School of Ukrainian Studies in Yonkers, New York, took part in the ceremony of raising the National Flag of Ukraine in White Plains, and also presented a patriotic program at the Church of St. Archangel Michael.
Celebrations were also held in other Ukrainian communities in the United States, including in Maine, where Ukrainians, together with local partners, organized celebrations for children and adults, and in Charlotte, where the Ukrainian community held an Independence Day concert with the participation of numerous Ukrainians and American friends of Ukraine.
In Washington, St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral brought together the community, Ukrainian veterans, American military personnel, volunteers, and philanthropists. During the meeting, a Ukrainian flag was signed, which will be handed over to Ukraine as a symbol of support with the words: “We are with you. And we will continue to help.” And in Palatine, the Ukrainian community took part in a Sunday procession on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
In many cities, the celebrations were accompanied by concerts, art exhibitions, charity events, marches, and public events, which once again demonstrated the activity of the Ukrainian diaspora and the widespread support for Ukraine in the United States.
Photo: Peter Koutun, CYM (AUYA) Palatine, School of Ukrainian studies in Yonkers NY, Inna Cherednichenko, Ukrainian Jersey City, St. Joseph BAND, by the Wisconsin Ukrainians Inc., Alla Svystun, Tetyana Levchenko, Saint Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of Metropolitan Washington DC, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos
Author: Inna Mikhno