Ukrainians in Calgary mark anniversary of country's independence amid ongoing war

Ukrainian Independence Day Celebrated in Calgary with Flag-Raising Ceremony

Calgary, AB – Ukrainians in Calgary came together outside City Hall on Sunday to commemorate the 34th anniversary of Ukrainian independence with a flag-raising ceremony. Anna Tselukhina, the rally committee chair for the Calgary branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, emphasized that the day was not only a celebration but also a reminder of the continuous sacrifices made in the fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Tselukhina stated, “This is also a way for us to teach our children about independence, about the history of Ukraine and the cost of it. Ukrainians have fought for independence for hundreds of years, and 34 years ago became an independent, democratic, and free state. We celebrate this today.”

The event provided an opportunity to express gratitude to allies who have stood by Ukraine as the conflict persists. Tselukhina added, “We continue this fight for our freedom, for our independence, for the life that Ukrainians deserve in a free country. This is a day for us to remember our history and to teach our children that this independence is something we are fighting for and will continue to fight for.”

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, there was a somber acknowledgment of the ongoing conflict. Tselukhina reflected, “Whenever we think about Ukraine, we also think about all those thousands of lives that were stolen by Russians. It’s like a celebration, but it’s also with bitterness in our hearts.”

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Ukraine on the same day, where he delivered a speech alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv’s Sophia Square. The leaders later held a bilateral meeting and news conference, during which they signed a joint communique calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards the peace process.

Carney condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion as a “horrific act of aggression” and pledged C$2 billion in support to Ukraine during the Group of Seven leaders’ summit in June. Tselukhina expressed appreciation for the prime minister’s remarks, describing them as “encouraging” for Ukrainians. She expressed hope for continued cooperation and support from the Canadian government.

The Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations in Calgary served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Ukraine, while also highlighting the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian community in Canada.