Published September 02. 2025 12:55PM
Area Ukranians celebrated the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence with a flag raising on the city’s Payrow Plaza the morning of Aug. 22, with over two dozen Ukranians and guests in attendance. The anniversary is particularly poignant, given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the ongoing conflict.
“We are proud to uplift and celebrate each other’s cultures,” said the city’s director of equity and inclusion, Janine Santoro, who was representing Mayor J. William Reynolds. She presented flag raising organizers, Ukranian National Women’s League of America, with a city proclamation.
Members of Post 42 of the Ukranian American Veterans conducted both the American and Ukrainian flag raising.
Referencing the current conflict, State Rep. Steve Samuelson said, “We are on the side of Ukraine.” Samuelson also presented Ukranian National Women’s League president Yuliya Semenovich with a certificate of recognition from the PA House of representatives.
Reciting important Ukranian dates in the sovereign nation’s history, education chair Oksana Kipa mentioned the “eternal struggle repelling the full scale aggression by Russia.”
Both the invocation and benediction given intoned prayers for peace.
Post 42 of Ukranian American Veterans salute after the American flag raising.
Ukrainian American veteran Mark Nagle starts to raise the Ukranian flag in honor of Ukraine’s 34th anniversary of independence Aug. 24.
On behalf of Mayor J. William Reynolds, the City’s director of equity and inclusion, Janine Santoro. says, “We welcome your presence,” as Oksana Kipa, Ukranian National Women’s League of America education chair listens.
State representative Steve Samuelson presents a certificate of recognition to Yuliya Semenovych, president of the of the local chapter of Ukranian National Women’s League of America.
Ukranians and guests in attendance gather for a photo at the ceremony’s conclusion.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBBUkranian attendees gather for a group photo at the ceremony’s conclusion.
