'Both flags symbolize democracy'

NORTH PORT — For centuries, Ukrainians have fought for their freedom.

They are still doing so. The ongoing war between the nation and Russia has raged on for more than two years.

Due to that, and the large population of Ukrainians in the city, North Port honored the nation ahead of its Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony Friday.

Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union on Aug. 24, 1991, and officially gained it that December.

Dozens of local Ukrainian-Americans and public officials attended to see the blue and yellow flag hoisted up on a separate flag pole from the American flag, right in front of City Hall.

Onlookers watched and sang along to the United States’ and Ukrainian national anthems that morning.

Daria Tomashosky spoke to the many in attendance.

“Even though today is not Independence Day, today is a national holiday. Ukrainian flag day,” she said. “As we raise red, white and blue, and blue and yellow let’s recognize that both flags symbolize democracy.”

Mayor Alice White then issued a proclamation.

She deemed Aug. 24, 2024 as Ukrainian Independence Day.

White said the people of Ukraine have fought for their freedom for centuries and urged the continuance of assistance to the nation’s people in such tough times.

The Rev. Oleh Saciuk, a local pastor and Ukrainian-American veteran who served for the United States in Vietnam, drew the ceremony to a close speaking about the past and present of Ukraine.

“The peace loving people of Ukraine are victims,” he said “In Putin’s eyes, the territory of Ukraine must be his.”

Tomashosky said all Ukraine wants is freedom.

“Thank you to this great country that we live in who stands for freedom and democracy. That is all we want,” she said.

Speaking in Ukrainian, the crowd said: “Glory to our heroes.”