Ukrainian Communities Across US, Canada Mark Independence Day Amid War

Communities of Ukrainian immigrants and refugees across North America marked Ukraine's 34th Independence Day with celebrations that combined cultural pride and somber reflection on the ongoing war with Russia. In Sacramento, a large Ukrainian population gathered for a festival and a conference emphasizing business partnerships as vital to supporting Ukraine during and after the conflict, highlighting the connection between freedom and economic strength. Similarly, southwestern Ontario hosted its first London Ukrainian Festival, where attendees expressed the importance of independence and resilience amid war, sharing personal stories of displacement and family separation. In Calgary, speeches underscored the ongoing fight for freedom and the hope for peace, with commitments to rebuild and strengthen Ukraine once the war ends. Across these events, Ukrainians conveyed a shared message of survival, solidarity, and the determination to preserve their sovereignty while educating future generations about the cost and value of independence. These gatherings showcased both the cultural unity of the diaspora and their continued advocacy for political and material support to Ukraine.