Clergy and representatives of the Chancery of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia joined Ukrainian community leaders, government officials, diplomats, veterans, and friends of Ukraine at Philadelphia City Hall on Friday, August 21, for a flag-raising ceremony ahead of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence.
Ukraine will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the restoration of its independence on August 24. The gathering in the heart of Philadelphia honored Ukraine, its freedom, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people as the country continues to defend its sovereignty and independence against Russia’s war.
The ceremony brought together representatives of the Ukrainian community and city, state, and federal governments, as well as diplomatic, religious, and civic organizations. Also present were Ukrainian soldiers currently undergoing recovery, along with Ukrainian and American veterans.
Among those participating were U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean; Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia Iryna Mazur; Kristina Butvydas Bard, Honorary Consul General of Lithuania in Pennsylvania; B.J. Hoffman of the American Jewish Committee; Alain Joinville, Deputy Director of the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs; David Brill, representing Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro; and Ed Zetick of Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV).
Mazur began her remarks by inviting those gathered to observe a moment of silence in memory of Ukrainian soldiers, civilians, and children killed as a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Reflecting on the significance of marking Ukraine’s independence in Philadelphia, Iryna Mazur drew a parallel between the American and Ukrainian experiences of choosing and defending freedom. “America once fought for its right to become a free and independent nation. Ukraine is fighting today for the right to be free and to remain free.”
Iryna Mazur emphasized that the principles articulated in Philadelphia in 1776 remain universal. She expressed gratitude to the American people for standing with Ukraine and called for continued unity between Americans and Ukrainians in support of Ukraine’s freedom and a just and lasting peace.
As part of the ceremony, Msgr. Peter Waslo offered a prayer for Ukraine, giving thanks for 35 years of restored independence while recalling the sacrifices required to preserve freedom.
“Thirty-five years of freedom is a short period in the history of Ukraine. There is so much to be thankful for during this time of independence. There is also so much for the nation of Ukraine to keep fighting to maintain this independence. It is a reminder that freedom and independence come at a cost.”
He prayed that God would grant the people of Ukraine “hope, strength and fortitude to always strive to maintain this independence” and provide wisdom to Ukraine’s leaders so that its independence may be safeguarded today and for the future.
Msgr. Waslo also entrusted Ukraine to the Mother of God, praying “that through her intercession and under the veil of her protection Ukraine may remain a free nation.” Concluding his prayer, he asked God to grant Ukraine lasting peace: “We pray to the Lord that this independence brings a lasting peace for Your glory and honor, for the glory and honor of Ukraine and its citizens.”
Representing the City of Philadelphia, Alain Joinville spoke about the city’s immigrant communities and read a proclamation from Mayor Cherelle L. Parker recognizing Ukraine’s Independence Day and the contributions Ukrainian Americans have made to Philadelphia for more than a century.
The proclamation recognized the vibrant religious and cultural institutions, businesses, and civic organizations established by Ukrainian Americans in Philadelphia, as well as the community’s enduring connection to Ukraine. On behalf of Mayor Parker, Joinville proclaimed Friday, August 21, 2026, Ukrainian Independence Day in Philadelphia.
U.S. Representative Madeleine Dean reflected on the significance of honoring Ukraine’s independence in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy. “We see in Ukraine what we search for in ourselves: the courage to protect a precious thing like democracy.”
Kristina Butvydas Bard, Honorary Consul General of Lithuania in Pennsylvania, expressed Lithuania’s continued solidarity with Ukraine. “Today, we stand with Ukraine, and we will forever stand with Ukraine — in our love and our commitment to freedom.”
B.J. Hoffman of the American Jewish Committee spoke of AJC’s longstanding friendship with Ukraine and the Ukrainian-American community. “Solidarity must be more than words,” he said, emphasizing the importance of continuing to stand with Ukraine in defense of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.
Ed Zetick of Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV) spoke about the organization’s support for Ukrainian soldiers and veterans. He noted that UAV has provided humanitarian and medical assistance to Ukraine, including medical supplies and hospital equipment.
The Ukrainian flag was raised at City Hall as those gathered commemorated 35 years of restored Ukrainian independence and expressed their continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
