Ukrainian residents in San Francisco commemorate Independence Day with a concert
In the heart of California, the spirit of Ukraine echoed through the streets of San Francisco as the community gathered to celebrate its Independence Day. This year's celebration, however, comes amidst a tumultuous time for Ukraine, as it continues to fight for its life against Russian aggression.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has been dominating the headlines recently, with the United States playing a significant role in promoting weapons deliveries to Ukraine. According to reports, the US has sold weapons worth over 700 million euros, with financial support from European countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. These arms are intended to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian community in the Bay Area expressed their gratitude towards the United States, often playing the American national anthem at gatherings. Nine-year-old Daria Turie, for instance, sang an Independence Day song about her ancestral homeland, a place she has only visited once, as a baby.
Father Roman Bobesiuk, a pastor at two Bay Area Ukrainian churches, also expressed his gratitude for the refuge provided by the United States. He read a prayer thanking God and the people of the United States for their support and help.
Melanie McCutchan, the Advocacy Chair of the Ukrainian National Women's League, emphasized the importance of strength in achieving peace. She stated that Ukraine needs necessary arms and security guarantees to deter Russian aggression. McCutchan also highlighted that the situation is not a real estate deal, but a matter of national security for Ukraine.
According to McCutchan, Russia has been trying to colonize Ukraine and destroy it as a free, independent, sovereign people since 2014, with the full-scale invasion starting in 2022. August 24, 1991, marks a significant date in Ukraine's history, as it is the day when Ukraine voted to separate from the Soviet Union and become a free and democratic nation.
The Independence Day celebration in San Francisco included traditional dancing and music, some of which had an air of sadness to symbolize the cost of the fight for freedom. Some older people who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1940s view this latest invasion as an ongoing fight for survival.
John Ramos, a journalist, began his career through drawing editorial cartoons and writing satire pieces for the Bakersfield High School newspaper. While not directly related to the main topic, it's a testament to the diverse and vibrant community that gathers in San Francisco each year to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day.
As the world watches the ongoing conflict unfold, the Ukrainian community in the Bay Area continues to celebrate their heritage, express gratitude for the support they receive, and hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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