Wednesday, August 24th, was Independence Day of Ukraine. Thirty-one years ago, Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Republic of the USSR. On August 24, 1991, Ukraine became an independent state. Ukraine is a unitary republic with a president and a prime minister. The Ukraine president is elected by the citizens to serve for five years. The role of president is the commander in chief of the military and leads the National Security and Defense Council. The Ukraine prime minister is appointed by the president and leads the highest branch of the Ukrainian government, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Putin’s senseless and unprovoked war started exactly six months ago. On February 24, 2022, Putin and his regime of hate started the devastation of a peaceful country and its people. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is leading the Ukrainian military to defend Ukraine against Russian forces. His leadership has been non-stop and inspiring. He engaged countries worldwide to come to the aid of Ukraine. He encourages the frontline and sends his people a message of hope. Let’s join him in his message of hope and peace for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
Even with the war raging in their homeland, Ukrainians, and people all across the globe in solidarity with Ukraine celebrated Independence Day for Ukraine. President Biden sent a message to the Ukrainian people. He congratulated them on their Independence Day and praised their courage and dedication to freedom. And Anthony Blinken, Secretary of State sent a message of the dedication of the United States’ continued support of Ukraine.
The Świetlica Dębniki Community Center celebrated with activities for women and children. Children learned the tradition of making Ukrainian dumplings. Did someone say there were bubbles everywhere in the community center’s yard? That’s because there were…bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles. Women and children of all ages enjoyed watching a bubble master teach the children how to hold the bubbles. And it wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t participate in the traditional folk dance of Ukraine. Check out this video of children dancing, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vguv5cFXZBM. Grab your tissues because this video of Ukrainians, adults, and children sharing their wishes for the future will touch your heart, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PD1ygowi5s. Happy Independence Day Ukraine!
A new generation making the traditional Ukrainian dumplings!
Bubble fun during the Independence Day of Ukraine celebration!
Thousands of Ukrainian women and children have been displaced from their homes because of this unnecessary war. What inspires me is the love they have for their homeland. They have a great appreciation of humanity. They are kind, and their hearts are open to helping each other through the struggles of war. And they want peace to return to Ukraine so they can reunite with their families. In your spiritual beliefs, please hope or pray for peace.
“Relieve the crisis. Thoughtfully. With discipline and heart. Now.”
Through the Ukraine Relief Initiative, we have helped them feel supported and given them help to start over. Thank you so much for your generous donations. It takes all humanity to care for and love people who need help to feel safe. Please share our message with your circle of friends, and if you can, please consider another donation. Thank you for being a part of our circle of love. Be positive and stay safe.
Freedom is possible!
Much love,
Cindy and Dana
HOW TO MAKE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UKRAINIAN RELIEF INITIATIVE
All contributions are fully tax-deductible through HCC, our registered 501(c)(3) passthrough charity.
TO CONTRIBUTE BY CHECK:
Make your check payable to **Hispanic Community Council** – (VERY IMPORTANT: not to Ukraine Relief Initiative) and send it to the following address:
HCC – URI
c/o John Kersey
208 Liberty Street
Warren, PA 16365
Please indicate “Ukrainian Relief Initiative” in the check memo and include a note with your contact info (address, phone, email).
TO CONTRIBUTE ELECTRONICALLY BY PAYPAL:
Use this link: https://www.paypal.com/
In the memo, please include your name, address, phone #, and email so we can process your tax receipt.