An annual celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day was held in Washington, D.C., bringing together the Ukrainian American community, diplomats, veterans, volunteers, and supporters of Ukraine. The central events included the unfurling of a giant Ukrainian flag, a march, and a celebratory concert.
This was reported in a press release by US Ukrainian Activists (USUA).
On Saturday, August 22, US Ukrainian Activists (USUA) held its annual “D.C. Celebrates Ukraine’s Independence Day” event near the Lincoln Memorial to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence.
The tradition was launched in 2022 by Nadiya Shaporynska, President of US Ukrainian Activists. Since then, the organization has held the celebration in Washington every year.
“Ukraine is marking 35 years since the restoration of its independence in 1991. But Ukraine’s history did not begin 35 years ago. Ukraine is an ancient European nation with more than a thousand years of history,” Nadiya Shaporynska emphasized.
She stressed that for Ukrainians, independence is not merely a historical date, but a symbol of freedom, national identity, and the right to determine their own future.
The official part of the event began with a prayer for Ukraine led by Father Robert of the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family. During the prayer, participants honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders and victims of Russia’s war.
The participants were also addressed by Denys Sienik, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Embassy of Ukraine in the United States; Inga Bowden, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Estonia in the United States; Andriy Smolenskyy, Ukrainian veteran and Commander of the Aerial Reconnaissance Unit, 47th Brigade “Mahura”; Diana Vidutis, Member of the Public Affairs Committee, Lithuanian American Community of the United States; and Yaroslav Martynyuk of Ukrainian American Veterans.
In particular, in his remarks Sienik emphasized Ukraine’s centuries-long struggle for freedom, the courage of Ukrainians who are defending their country today, and the need for continued international support and increased pressure on Russia, which continues relentless attacks on Ukrainian cities, critical infrastructure, and civilian vessels in the Black Sea. The Chargé d’Affaires therefore called for urgent reinforcement of Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to protect civilian lives, as well as continued efforts to advance the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.
Following the official program, participants unfurled a giant Ukrainian flag measuring 10 by 14 meters, made in Kyiv, and marched through the area near the Lincoln Memorial. During the event, those present sang the National Anthem of Ukraine and held signs calling for support for Ukraine, including “Ukraine Will Win!”, “Patriot Systems for Ukraine,” and “Stand with Ukraine.”
The celebration concluded with a concert of Ukrainian music, dance, and culture featuring VODA Voice, the Rodyna children’s ensemble, Sribni Dzherela ensemble, Olha and Diana Perepelyts, Liliia Koreba, Hlib Latnik, Alina Stovbun, and the SLAVA Ensemble of Ukrainian Music and Dance.
«Culture is part of what Ukraine is fighting to preserve. Every Ukrainian song, every dance, every word of our language, and every tradition passed from one generation to another carries the story of a nation that has survived centuries of attempts to erase its identity — and continues to stand proudly today,» said Nadiya Shaporynska.
US Ukrainian Activists thanked all speakers, performers, volunteers, photographers, and participants for supporting Ukraine and emphasized that the organization would continue working to strengthen international solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Background
US Ukrainian Activists thanked all speakers, performers, volunteers, photographers, and participants for supporting Ukraine and emphasized that the organization would continue working to strengthen international solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Photo: US Ukrainian Activists (USUA), Ganna Proskura, Nadiya Shaporynska, Valentin Ashworth, Patrick Cribben
Prepared by: Inna Mikhno