ROANOKE, Va. – On Wednesday, residents of Roanoke gathered together to mark the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence Day.
On August 24, 1991, Ukraine officially broke away from the Soviet Union and declared its independence.
Six months have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine, and Ukrainians who live in Roanoke say that this year’s celebration is full of mixed emotions because the war in their home country is still going on.
“All over the free world, people are celebrating and observing this day because it is so important to us, especially now when Ukraine is threatened by Russia,” said Martha Kuchar, who has family in Ukraine.
Supporters of Ukraine have said that despite the fact that less attention is being paid to the war, it is not over, and they are continuing to encourage people to pray for Ukraine.
