By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
Mayor Dorinda Borer stood with members of the Ukrainian American community in front of City Hall on Aug. 23 in observance of Ukrainian Independence Day.
The public event marked the eve of Ukrainian independence and was organized by advocacy Chair Ann Salemme of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 108 of New Haven.
The ceremony included poignant remarks by Salemme, Borer, West Haven Fair Rent Commission Chairman Steven R. Mullins and Ukrainian American Veterans Post 33 Cmdr. Carl Harvey.
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, which Russia launched on Feb. 24, 2022, a New Haven-based support network that includes the UAV post and St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church has shipped $8.2 million worth of donated humanitarian supplies to Ukraine’s western city of Lviv to aid relief efforts, said Harvey, of Orange.
The ceremony also included the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Prayer for Ukraine,” a patriotic Ukrainian hymn, led by the gathering of more than two dozen Ukrainians, including a pair of young refugees holding up a blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag and others holding up a “Glory to Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes” flag.
The half-hour event culminated with Borer presenting Salemme, of West Haven, with a proclamation declaring Ukrainian Independence Day.
“West Haven stands united with Ukrainians in commemorating their independence by lighting the steps of City Hall in blue and yellow for the first time,” said Borer, reading the proclamation.
“As Ukraine marks its 33rd anniversary of renewed independence, let us recommit ourselves to helping the Ukrainian nation to reclaim full sovereignty over its international borders and to remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives to ensure freedom and happiness for future generations,” the mayor said.
Salemme followed by presenting Borer with a bouquet of sunflowers — a symbol of peace and resilience for Ukrainians — along with a Ukrainian flag and a certificate of appreciation.
Reading the certificate, Salemme said: “We present this certificate in recognition of your leadership and commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and peace. Issuing your proclamation and the lighting of City Hall in blue and yellow sends a powerful message of solidarity to the Ukrainian community in the West Haven area and beyond.”
In 1991 the parliament of Ukraine proclaimed the nation’s independence, taking the first step toward establishing a free and democratic state.