New Haven – On Friday, the Green became the focal point for the city’s Ukrainian community as they raised the blue‑and‑yellow flag to mark 35 years of Ukrainian independence. The ceremony, organized by the New Haven branch of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, drew more than two dozen Ukrainian Americans and supporters.
Local leaders and community voices
League president Ann Salemme opened the event, expressing fatigue with the ongoing conflict that began with Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. “God, I’m tired of war,” she said, noting that the war has now lasted longer than World War I. Salemme urged attendees not to waver, emphasizing that “victory is our only choice.”
Mayor Justin Elicker read an official city proclamation declaring New Haven’s support for its Ukrainian residents and the broader Ukrainian cause. He cited estimates that 17,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and 51,000 injured, adding that July was the deadliest month of the war since its start.
Calls for truth and action
Long‑time community advocate Myron Melnyk echoed Salemme’s sentiment, stressing the need to speak the truth about Russia’s aggression and its attacks on civilians and Ukrainian culture. He referenced recent incidents, including a fire that devastated one of Kyiv’s largest book markets, damage to a major film studio, and a drone strike that targeted a vegetable vendor.
Salemme urged participants to contact members of Congress, specifically mentioning Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who is currently on an official tour of Ukraine. She asked constituents to support the Lindsay O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, which recently cleared the U.S. Senate.
Faith‑based relief efforts
The event highlighted ongoing local relief work coordinated through St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church on George Street. In an interview conducted at the ceremony, Melnyk described how the church and other volunteers are gathering supplies and funds to aid Ukrainians affected by the war.
Looking ahead
Both Salemme and Melnyk concluded with a hopeful note, asserting that Ukraine’s resilience will see the nation rise again. “Most of all, we should be certain that, in the end, Ukraine will prevail,” Melnyk said.
The flag‑raising ceremony underscores New Haven’s commitment to its Ukrainian residents and reflects a broader community effort to stand with a nation facing prolonged conflict.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
