Why celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day?
This month we mark the 6 months since the beginning of russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, Ukrainians, Ukrainian Americans, and friends of Ukraine are also celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24th.
Ukraine declared independence on August 24th, 1991 and for 31 years has been a beacon of reform, democracy, and liberty in Europe.
Today, this progress is being stalled by russia's violent and destructive all-out war against Ukraine and Ukrainian freedom. The crimes russia has committed in the last six months are unspeakable, unconceivable. The millions of men, women, and children who suffer from russia's aggression, some of them having fled from the beginning of the war in Donbas in 2014 are experiencing the horror yet again, have had their lives changed forever. Ukrainians, those who were able to flee, are scattered all over the world now.
But Ukrainians are also stronger than ever. They are not giving up. They are now defending the values that Americans and the democratic world cherish most and will continue to do so - and Ukrainians and democracy will win!
In such difficult times, every gesture of support from Ukraine's close friends, allies and partners from the international community and, especially, the United States, matter more than ever before!
This year, make it a point to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day with your friends, family, and community. We’ve taken the guess work out of participating in Ukrainian Independence Day activities by putting together the following list of events and suggestions for you to choose from.
If we’re missing an event happening in your area, please email us all the details info@razomforukraine.org
Слава Україні! Glory to Ukraine!
The most simple way to celebrate - send a tweet
It would mean so much to Ukraine and the Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine in the US if you would tweet on August 24th congratulating Ukraine on its Independence Day.
It can be something as simple as "Happy Independence Day, Ukraine!" to a collection of your favorite memories from Ukraine and what Ukrainian independence means to you.
Please feel free to tag Razom in the tweet @RazomForUkraine and the official Ukraine twitter account @Ukraine.
Here are also some Ukrainian phrases you might like to include for an added special touch:
З Днем Незалежності, Україно - Happy Independence Day, Ukraine
Зі святом Незалежності, Україно - Happy Independence Day, Ukraine (rephrasing of the above greeting)
Слава Україні - Glory to Ukraine
Героям Слава - Glory to the Heroes
Разом до перемоги - Together to victory
Борітеся — поборете! - If you fight, you will win! (Famous quote from national bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko)
You may also wish to include the following hashtags:#UkrainianIndependenceDay
#StandWithUkraine
#SaveUkraineNow
#IndependenceInMyHeart
#USLovesUA
New York City
Tuesday 23 August - 7:30 pm - Bowling Green Park
On the National Ukrainian Flag Day, join a worldwide campaign to commemorate those Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine who gave their lives to protect the values of the free world.
Donning Ukrainian national clothes, we come together at sunset in cities across the world, with flags and, most importantly, candles in memoriam of the soldiers and civilians whose lives have been lost in this war.
Additionally, and as an alternative for those who cannot participate live, we invite and encourage everyone to be a part of an online flashmob. Participants can take a photo at home of their candle next to Ukrainian symbols. Then they should post the picture of their candle on social media, tagging the location they are posting from and adding the hashtag #SparkOfCourage.
Let us show that Ukrainians are truly everywhere. Let us remind the world about the price of freedom and honor all those who fought for the protection of democracy.
New York City
Wednesday 24 August - 1:30 pm - Washington Square Park
Join Razom and our good friend and amazing pianist Fima Chupakhin for a solo piano concert in Washington Square Park (Garibaldi Plaza) on Wednesday 24 August from 1:30 to 3:30 pm! 🎶
Fima will play a selection of jazz standards, several original pieces and arrangements of Ukrainian folk songs, as well as jazzed-up versions of many of his favorite songs across various genres of mainstream music (Radiohead, Beatles, James Blake, Fink, Stevie Wonder, Sting and more).
Show up to support Fima, Ukrainian Independence, and donate to Razom! Bring a refreshing drink, a friend, and your Ukrainian flag.
New York City
Wednesday 24 August - 5:30 pm - Central Park (Sheep Meadow)
On the Independence Day of Ukraine, join us in unfurling the world’s largest National Flag of Ukraine in Central Park!
This year the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence coincides with the sixth month of its fight against brutal russian aggression. Six months of fighting for the future of Ukraine, fighting for liberty and values of the free world.
By unfurling the biggest Ukrainian Flag in the heart of New York City, the Ukrainian community will show that nothing can break the spirit of freedom that lives in the heart of every Ukrainian. We are unbreakable and on Ukraine’s independence day we will proudly hold the blue and yellow flag as a symbol of our nation and our future victory.
Join us and support Ukraine and Ukrainians in our righteous battle against evil. Stand with Ukraine!
New York City
Sunday 21 August - 4:00 pm - Ukrainian Institute of America
Ukrainian Running Club New York invites you to our annual Charity Vyshyvanka Run 2022 in honor of 31th Independence Day of Ukraine and brave Ukrainian people.
Click here for more info, registration, and the Facebook event.
Brooklyn
Sunday 28 August - 11:00 am - 259 North 5th St
Washington DC
Friday 26 August - 6:00 pm - Ukraine House (2134 Kalorama Rd NW)
Ukraine’s Independence Day Social at Ukraine House
Ukraine House opens its doors to the Ukrainian Social! We will gather to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day and manifest our support for Ukraine’s phenomenally courageous fight for freedom. Proudly wear your favorite vyshyvanka and join us to meet old and new friends, try authentic Ukrainian beer, sour cherry horilka and taste some delicious food from the team of the soon-to-be Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant.
Washington DC
Saturday 27 August - 8:00 am - National Mall
Vyshyvanka Run DC 2022
Traditional annual morning run in Ukrainian National Shirt "Vyshyvanka" to celebrate Ukrainian Independence!
Everyone welcome - runners and walkers, kids and adults.
We are going to have 1K and 5K distances.
As spiritwear - you can wear your vyshyvanka, blue/yellow tee shirt or just an armband.
Click here for Facebook event.
Saturday 27 August - 4:00 pm - Lafayette Square
DC Celebrates Ukraine’s Independence Day
On Saturday August 27, Washington DC will celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day!
Join us in a rally and parade to celebrate Ukrainian heritage, culture, and liberty.
August 24 will also mark 6 months of the full-scale invasion, which russia launched in Ukraine on Feb. 24. We will commemorate all the Ukrainian heroes and victims of russia's war.
Jersey City
Saturday 27 August - 9:00 am - Liberty State Park Flag Plaza
We are excited to host our 2nd annual charity Jersey City Vyshyvanka Run/Walk!
On August 24 we celebrate the 31 anniversary of Ukrainian independence. Our Jersey City Ukrainian population has grown in 2022. We are happy to encourage all JC Ukrainians to support us during this difficult time when Ukraine is fighting for its freedom.
Let’s show the whole world our unity, promote our freedom, and celebrate life!
Our traditional and patriotic Vyshyvanka Run is an integral part of the unity of not only local JC Ukrainians, but also Ukrainians and our friends worldwide.
Neptune City, NJ
Wednesday 24 August - 5:00 pm - Memorial Park
Special flag raising ceremony featuring NJ Congressman Chris Smith.
Pembroke Pines (Miami)
Sunday 21 August - 1:30 pm - C.B. Smith Park
Enjoy an active day with Florida for Ukraine in celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day. Activities for adults and children alike will be available. Join us!
Coral Gables
Wednesday 24 August - 8:00 pm - Coral Gables Museum
Join us for a Candlelight Vigil honoring Ukrainian Independence.
This event follows the film screening "Olga" at the Coral Gables Art Cinema.
Museum galleries will be open until 9 PM. All proceeds from admission benefit Ukrainian relief efforts via RAZOM for Ukraine.
This program accompanies the exhibition: "PAINTING IN EXCESS: Kyiv's Art Revival, 1985-1993", Carole A. Fewell Gallery
San Francisco
Sunday 28 August - 4:00 pm - Golden Gate Park
Help us Celebrate the 31st Year Anniversary of Ukraine's Independence!
The 23rd annual Ukrainian-American Day Concert with the Golden Gate Park Band. This free outdoor concert at the Music Concourse Band shell (Spreckels Temple of Music) is to celebrate the 31st Anniversary of Ukraine's Independence.
Los Angeles
Saturday 20 August at 11:00 am & Sunday 21 August at 1:00 pm - Ukrainian Culture Center
Seattle
Saturday 27 August - 12:00 pm - Liberty Park
Join us and spread the word about our official annual celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day!
We are extremely excited to invite you to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day with an unforgettable concert and our special guest, one of the most well-known Ukrainian rock bands, SKAI.
During our event you will be able to experience traditional Ukrainian cuisine, purchase various things at different vendor booths, enjoy Ukrainian inspired photo centers for all ages, fun activities for adults and kids, and much more!
Boston
Saturday 27 August - 2:00 pm - 270 Bay State Road
Sky Philanthropy, Boston University, MAF & Sky International Center present Boston Annual Ukrainian Festival & Independence Day on the grounds of BU Beach, free and open to the public at 270 Bay State Rd, Boston, MA 02215.
Enjoy an outdoor summer concert and shows, a public social dance, Ukrainian foods and baked goods, fun children's activities, vendors grove, arts and crafts displays and bazaar, cool refreshments, Live Reenactments from Ukrainian history and Ukrainian hospitality.
Long Island
Sunday 21 August - 12:30 pm - St. Vladimir Ukrainian Parish Center
Celebration of the Independence Day of Ukraine at the St Vladimir’s Parish Center. Program includes dinner, soft drinks and a concert. Please come to celebrate together with the family, friends and like-minded associates!
Free admission.
Click here for Facebook event.
Hudson, NY
Sunday 21 August - 12:00 pm - 59 Partition St
We will have traditional Ukrainian food as well as classics from the American BBQ, and crafts for the whole family.
Tickets are $30 in advance via Eventbrite, $40 at the door, include food and crafts- drinks will be available at an additional cost.
All proceeds will go to Medical Relief for Ukraine- to purchase vital rehabilitational equipment for soliders and cilvilans injured in combat.
Philadelphia
Wednesday 24 August - 12:00 pm - Philadelphia City Hall
The Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in Philadelphia, together with the Ukrainian Federation of America, the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center and the Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union, cordially invite you to join us in the celebration of the 31st Anniversary of Ukraine's Independence!
Philadelphia, the city where American independence was born, the cradle of American freedom and liberty, will welcome Ukraine by raising the Ukrainian Flag at City Hall. Please wear your best vyshyvanka or your national dress, or wear blue and yellow (colors of Ukraine), bring your children with you, and celebrate Ukrainian Independence with us!
This event is free to the public, no RSVP or registration is needed.
Click here for Facebook event.
Horsham, PA
Sunday 28 August - 12:00 pm - Tryzub Park
Ukrainian American Sport Center - Tryzub invites ALL to their annual Ukrainian Folk Festival in Horsham, PA.
Come out an enjoy Ukrainian ethnic foods, dance performances and arts & crafts. Starts at 12:00 noon.
A portion of entry fee will be donated towards Ukrainian relief.
Minneapolis
Wednesday 24 August - 6:00 pm - Boom Island Park
The Ukrainian Village Band and Ukrainian American Community Center invite you to come to the celebration of Ukraine’s 31st Anniversary of Independence to be held at Boom Island Park (724 NE Sibley St, Minneapolis, MN 55413) on August 24, 2022 from 6 to 8 pm.
There will be food, music, fundraising, and fun!
Wear vyshyvanka or any Ukrainian attributes you have.
Bring Ukrainian flags, cover your shoulders or waive them high up in the sky.
Columbus
Tuesday 23 August - 8:00 pm - National Veterans Memorial and Museum
We would like to invite you to take part in an international event called “Spark of Courage: A Candlelight Vigil for Ukraine”.
Please wear your vyshyvanka and come together at sunset... we will be coming together in cities across the world. Bring flags, and, most importantly, candles in memoriam of the soldiers and civilians whose lives have been lost in this war.
Click here for Facebook event.
Cincinnati
Sunday 21 August - 12:00 pm - Kolping Cincinnati
See flyer below for more info. Click here for Facebook page.
Parma
Saturday 27 August - 10:00 am - Ukrainian Heritage Park
Come and celebrate Ukraine with us at the 11-th Ukrainian Independence Day Parade and Festival in the village of Parma, Ohio. The parade will showcase scores of marching units, including our own Ukrainian Cultural Association of Ohio (UCAO). We will have a blue-and-yellow decorated truck with kids riding and proudly flying flags and baloons. We will gladly join ranks with organizations from Athens, Dayton, Troy, and other Ukrainians from Central Ohio.
This year marks the 31st Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. We invite you to join this important commemoration, which includes a parade, a brief program, and festivities. The commemoration is of particular significance this year as Ukraine resists the brutal, unjustified, and unprovoked war by the Russian Federation.
Anchorage
Wednesday 24 August - 5:00 pm - UAA Student Union
The Ukrainian Community of Anchorage, the Soul of Ukraine International Foundation, and the University of Alaska Anchorage present a gallery of photographs of the horrors of the war in Ukraine. From the destruction of Kharkiv by Russian bombings, to the assault and siege of Mariupol for three months, from the mass graves in Bucha to the Irpin, see these photographs from war-torn Ukraine to know more about the destruction of the country.
