Despite war, Ukrainian resolve remains strong as Independence Day marked

August 24 is Ukrainian Independence Day, and this year’s celebration carries extra significance as its autonomy is under attack.

It’s been six months since Russia invaded the eastern European nation and the conflict continues to rage on.

“For centuries, Ukraine was fighting for independence and finally achieved it 31 years ago. And regrettably, eight years ago and now especially this year, it was challenged,” Denys Storozhuk, president of Kelowna Stands with Ukraine, told Kelowna10.

“I think for Ukrainians, this is a very important day because it signifies exactly what we’re fighting for and why we have all these people lose their lives for independence and wanting to live in their own free and democratic state.”

A car rally from McCurdy Corner, escorted by the RCMP, kicked off the evening of events. Motorists drove down the highway adorned in blue and yellow flags, crossed the bridge, and circled back to city hall.

The City of Kelowna showed its support by lighting up The Sails in blue and yellow, too.

Earlier, a crowd gathered downtown where they mingled, heard speeches, prayed, and observed a moment of silence.

The national anthem was led by families from Ukraine who stood on stage together; many of them wore traditional clothes from their country.

Another reason for the city-wide display of Ukrainian colour and culture was to remind people about the ongoing conflict and the continued need for support.

“Our main goal is to raise awareness as people start to forget what is happening, that Ukraine is fighting for all the free world, including Canada,” Storozhuk said.

“If you speak to people, then yes, everybody supports Ukraine and against aggression and war. But it’s not top of their mind anymore.”

He said donations have slowed as the war drags on.

At the start of the conflict, the association’s main priority was to send supplies and humanitarian aid back home.

But that has since shifted as the conflict displaces Ukrainians at home. Kelowna Stands with Ukraine’s now spends time assisting refugees who have come to Kelowna seeking asylum. Storozhuk said he got a call from a woman at YLW earlier in the day who didn’t speak English and didn’t know where to go.

He said over 200 Ukrainians have come to Kelowna and many were involved in the celebration. Kelowna Stands with Ukraine has been setting up programs to help refugees learn English, find assistance, and acquire skills to enter the workforce.

He hopes proceeds from merchandise sales and donations at Independence Day celebrations will allow them to send much-needed water filters to the war-torn country, as infrastructure has been destroyed by bombs in the eastern regions.