A show of unity to mark the Elmhurst community’s support for the people of Ukraine drew scores of people to Wilder Park Wednesday evening.
As blustery winds snapped large blue and gold flags of Ukraine and ruffled smaller blue and gold ribbons on the lapels of many in the crowd, those attending heard from speakers urging support for Ukraine — both moral and monetary — and decrying Russia’s unprovoked attack on the country.
The event was organized jointly by the city of Elmhurst, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, Elmhurst Park District, Elmhurst Public Library, and Elmhurst University.
Speakers, beginning with Elmhurst Park District board President Vince Spaeth and Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin and ending with Serhiy Koledov, the consul general of Ukraine in Chicago, called on Elmhurst community members to “stand in solidarity with the heroic people of Ukraine as they fight to maintain their democracy.”
“I’m very proud to be part of this community,” Levin began, “where our residents and civic partners have all come together to stand united to support the people and the country of Ukraine.”
Levin said the event had a deeper purpose beyond a show of support for Ukraine.
“It’s not only to show support, but it’s a day of giving,” he said, directing those wanting to provide material help to the city’s website, which lists organizations collecting donations to help the people Ukraine. More information on giving is at Elmhurst’s official website.
Speakers included several area residents of Ukrainian descent, as well as two women who left the country only in the last few days. All spoke of the horrors of the war and the courage of the Ukrainian people in resisting the Russian aggression.
“People are burying their loved ones,” said Diana Tkach, an Elmhurst University student of Ukrainian descent. “Children are not living — they are only surviving this war, these crimes. Ukrainians deserve to live independently and freely.”
Many of those with personal ties to Ukraine finished their remarks with calls of “Glory to Ukraine,” drawing applause and affirmations from the crowd.
Father Bohdan of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Church in Bensenville, called Vladimir Putin a terrorist trying to destroy Ukraine. “Today, Ukraine, a small country, fights for the whole world,” he said. “One day we will achieve victory.”
Consul General Koledov compared Russian aggression to that of the Nazis under Hitler in World War II. He called on partners in the West to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, provide additional weapons and planes and impose stronger sanctions on Russia.
“We fight for freedom,” Koledov said, “and we shall prevail.”
Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.