PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Hundreds from the local Ukrainian-American community gathered in Jenkintown Friday night to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
There was only standing room left at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center as hundreds came out, many with their families and small children.
The ceremony started off with the Ukrainian national anthem, followed by “God Bless America.”
Eugene Luciw, the president and chairman of the board of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America’s Philadelphia branch, delivered remarks to a room where the emotions were somber.
“For the fallen, for the injured, for the displaced persons, millions of them,” he said.
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Many had tears in their eyes as they held candles honoring the lives affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, a nation of more than 40 million before the war began.
But those in the room were also proud and hopeful, on a day when President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pledged victory in 2023 and told his citizens they have proved themselves to be invincible during "a year of pain, sorrow, faith and unity.”
“When Ukraine is restored, it’s going to be a powerhouse in Europe,” Luciw added.
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“We pledge to visit with senators. We pledge to visit with congressmen and congresswomen. We pledge to do anything that it takes to help our brothers and sisters.”
UECC Board member Zenia Brozyna say they stand behind their heritage and they’re praying for an end to the war.
“We 100% fully support the freedom fighters in Ukraine. We fully support the citizens of Ukraine,” said Brozyna. “We wish them fortitude and perseverance to outlast the invaders.”