Ukrainian Independence Day Declared In West Haven

Press release from the City of West Haven:

WEST HAVEN, CT — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, holding a bouquet and a Ukrainian flag, presents a proclamation to Ann Salemme, a resident of West Haven and the president of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 108, declaring Ukrainian Independence Day on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

Shown with them are, from left, Carl Harvey, a resident of Orange and the commander of Ukrainian American Veterans Post 33, and St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir members Ted Plaskonos, of Hamden, Nadiya Ivantsiv, formerly of Lviv, Ukraine, and now of New Haven, and Mary Antonyshyn, of Orange.

In 1991 the parliament of Ukraine proclaimed the nation’s independence, taking the first step toward establishing a free and democratic state.

Reading the proclamation in the City Council chambers of City Hall, Rossi said: “The city of West Haven stands united with Ukrainians in commemorating their independence by lighting the new Cove River pedestrian bridge in blue and yellow. At this moment when Ukraine faces an existential threat, such actions will send a strong message that the United States supports the aspirations of the Ukrainian people to live in a free and democratic nation.”

A support network that includes the New Haven church and UAV post has shipped $1.5 million worth of donated humanitarian supplies to a hospital in Ukraine’s western city of Lviv to aid relief efforts.

This press release was produced by the City of West Haven. The views expressed here are the author’s own.