CEDARVILLE, Ohio — Many people with ties to Ukraine will celebrate the country’s Independence Day on Aug. 24. For some, this year’s celebration carries a different meaning, as the nation also marks six months since the Russian invasion.
What You Need To Know
- The Independence of Ukraine is observed on Aug. 24
- Some people with ties to Ukraine think this year’s celebration takes on a different meanings
- The date also marks six months since Russia’s invasion
Abigail Rist recalled how some Ukrainians used to mark the country’s declaration of independence, which took place in 1991, in the years prior to the Russian invasion.
“We really enjoy our holidays in Ukraine,” Rist said. “So, most people would take off work. There would be a big parade, downtown, in the center of any city. You would have friends and family over for a big dinner.”
The Cedarville University student agreed that the holiday’s celebration won’t be typical this year.
“Celebrations are different because of the war, but people are definitely still celebrating,” Rist said.
Rist is American, but said she was raised in Kyiv since she was a baby.
“So when I was four months old, my parents moved over,” Rist said.
Despite living in Ohio for college now, Rist said the invasion still affected her.
“I mean, [there are] places that I grew up that are now no longer standing,” Rist added.
She said she thinks this year’s events make for an even sweeter observance.
“You get a true taste of what independence looks like when you really have to fight for it,” Rist said.
Rist said she’s wearing traditional Ukrainian clothes to her classes to mark the occasion.
