Lethbridge’s Ukranian community celebrates annual Independence Day, as war continues

Monday, August 24th is Ukranian Independence Day, and for southern Alberta’s longstanding Ukranian community, their thoughts are overseas.

On Saturday, the Rushnyk Ukranian Association, based in Lethbridge, held its annual Independence Day celebrations at Festival Square.

“I’m sure you know what’s going right now and we’re trying to bring the culture here and to remind people we’re still fighting for our independence,” said Madina Kononenko, the group’s president and founder.

“35 years ago, we got it in a very hard way, so we try to be independent and we’re going to be independent. The war is still going, but I’m sure it’s going to be done soon and I’m praying for my country.”