Barnegat Residents Call For Officials To Support Ukraine

BARNEGAT, NJ — Several Barnegat residents asked for the Township Committee to officially support Ukraine and condemn Russia at a recent meeting.

Charlie Cunliffe was the first to speak up and ask for the official condemnation. He said he was worried that people would get fatigued from hearing about the destruction of Ukraine and asked the Committee to consider a resolution condemning the attacks of Russia.

Cunliffe also asked the Committee to consider flying the Ukrainian flag at Town Hall or somewhere else on township property until the war is over.

"Please think about flying the Ukrainian flag, and in the resolution, asking people if they would at their homes, in some way, show their deference and respect to the people of Ukraine for their courage," Cunliffe said. "They're not only fighting for their freedom, but if you think about it, they're fighting for all of our freedom. Because who knows what Russia might do next."

Other Barnegat residents supported the idea.

"There's not a drop of Ukrainian blood in me, but there's a lot of human blood," Fred Rubenstein said, sharing that he flies a Ukrainian flag in his yard.

Rubenstein agreed that Russia and Vladimir Putin needed to be "soundly condemned." He noted that Committeeman Bill Farmer was dressed in blue and gold, Ukrainian colors.

"The world is watching our country. They're watching to see where we stand," Rubenstein said.