Waverley Borough Council commemorates Ukraine Independence Day
On 24 August the people of Ukraine marked their Independence Day, which is exactly six months since Russia’s invasion and 31 years since declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Waverley Borough Council, paid tribute to the day by raising the Ukrainian flag outside its offices at The Burys. The event was attended by the Mayor, the Leader of the Council and staff including 3 recently hired Ukrainian members of staff that fled the conflict in recent months and were invited by the Mayor to raise the flag with him.
However, the flag raising was just one of many events taking place in Waverley and surrounding areas at which members of the community came together to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Godalming Town Council and Rotary Clubs from Godalming and Guildford held an event in Philips Memorial Park and Farnham Town council held an event in the evening with entertainment and a demonstration on how to cook authentic Ukrainian cuisine.
Communities across the country showed their support for Ukrainian refugees which brought people together from all walks of life to support those fleeing their homes and honour those that chose to stay and fight for their country.
The Mayor, Councillor John Ward, who delivered a speech at the event, said: “I am old enough to remember the Berlin Wall built and subsequently torn down so that East Germany could be re-united with the rest of the country. I remain confident, due to the bravery and determination of the Ukrainian people and their armed forces, that the whole of Ukraine will once again be re-united as a nation.”
One of the members of staff who fled her home in Kyiv with her daughter whilst her husband remained in the country to join the Ukrainian Army said: " I am very grateful for the support the international community has given to Ukrainians just like me across the world. The support we have received has been unbelievable."
She added: “Ukraine Independence Day is a day for us to honour our country’s history and remember the triumphs and struggles we have faced over recent decades. Even though our country is under threat today, I know that we will persevere as we have always done.”
To find out how you can support Ukraine and learn more, visit Waverley Borough Council - Support for Ukraine.