Ukrainian flag raised in solidarity

The blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag flew proudly outside Brandon City Hall on Sunday afternoon, as the local Ukrainian community gathered to mark Ukrainian Independence Day.

The event featured the raising of the nation’s flag in solidarity with those defending Ukraine’s sovereignty since the ongoing war in Ukraine erupted more than three and a half years ago with Russia’s invasion.

Today, the nation is fighting for its independence, as ancestors did centuries ago, local Ukrainian-Canadian association Tryzub co-founder Julia Krykavska said at the event.

“Our brothers and sisters in Ukraine right now are defending their rights to live in a free land, to live in the land God gave us,” she said. “Ukrainian independence is important to every one of us, because in our hearts, no matter where we are, we carry Ukraine.”

Krykavska thanked those who joined the event — including Brandon East MLA Glen Simard, Mayor Jeff Fawcett, and city Coun. Tyson Tame — as well as the wider Canadian community for its ongoing support. “We thank this beautiful Canadian land that opened its arms to millions of Ukrainians in this tough time,” she said.

For MLA Glen Simard, the occasion was personal. He recalled Ukraine’s first Independence Day in 1991, when he was beginning high school at a Ukrainian institution.

“It was a massive deal. We thought every day of school would be a celebration,” he said. “But the last decade, especially, has been anything but a celebration for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. This unjust war and oppression have created global instability. Manitoba stands with Ukraine, and we continue to hope for peace — a peace that includes Ukraine, the return of Crimea, and a future free of war.”

Fawcett echoed the call for peace. “We want to raise this flag one day when Ukraine is not defending itself,” he said. “We’re proud that Canada has stood firmly in support of Ukraine, including the Prime Minister’s visit there and billions in aid. Brandon is better off with the Ukrainian people who have come here. You are enormous contributors, and we are proud to fly the flag for you. We only wish you could be at home for your own sake — but we are glad you are here.”

Tryzub president Vartan Davtian highlighted the importance of unity at this moment in history.

“Our flag represents our strength and reminds us to always be brave and united. It is also a call to be responsible for our traditions, and to live as Ukrainians here in Canada with pride,” he said.

As the flag was raised and voices joined in song, Krykavska reflected on the symbolism.

“Our flag is a symbol of freedom, resilience and bravery, of our ancestors and of today’s warriors defending Ukraine on the battlefield,” she said. “The enemy remains the same, but so does our strength. This independence is both happy and sad — we celebrate, but we also honour the lives of every person who has died for Ukrainian freedom. We will remember them for generations.”

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