Since so many citizens of Canora are of Ukrainian descent, it is important that this town take a moment to recognize the independence of Ukraine every August 24, said Dorothy Korol of the flag-raising ceremony held at the Ukrainian Heritage Museum.
“It’s a small way to spiritually support the people of Ukraine in their suffering,” she said, noting that the country has faced many recent difficulties since becoming independent from Russia in 1991.
A total of 11 people came to the Ukrainian Heritage Museum on August 24 to celebrate a very special Ukrainian Independence Day, as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Ukrainian state. The flags of Ukraine and Canada were hung outside of the museum, before everyone gathered to sing the national anthem of Ukraine and recite The Lord’s Prayer in Ukrainian.
After the event, coffee and muffins were served at the museum while Korol read a statement from the Ukrainian World Conference. The statement said that Ukrainians should celebrate their rich history and culture, their educated population, and the country’s natural resources, regardless of whether they are in Ukraine or in other countries around the world.
Ukrainians unite on Ukrainian Independence Day to show their support for a fully independent, sovereign Ukraine, and they pray for those who have sacrificed so much for Ukraine and against Russia, as well as for the families of Eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
“On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day, I extend greetings to all the brave men and women actively defending Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, as well as to Ukrainians worldwide,” said Eugene Czolij, the UWC president, in a statement.
The event was closed with the praying of the Hail Mary in Ukrainian.
