Special rally will mark Ukraine Independence Day in Lichfield city centre
A special event will be held in Lichfield next Wednesday, 24 August, to mark Ukraine Independence Day.
Lichfield district has become home to 130 Ukrainian refugees since the Russian invasion of their homeland in February and the district council has joined this community to support a rally honouring the heroism and sacrifice of those who continue to fight for its freedom.
It is 31 years since Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union on 24 August 1991. Its anniversary is celebrated annually with a state holiday which sees the Ukrainian people affirm their conviction to remain free, democratic, sovereign and self-determining.
Giving refugees an opportunity to publicly celebrate this day while living in Lichfield, the rally,
featuring the raising of the Ukrainian flag, speeches and the distribution of bracelets, will take place on Wednesday at Speakers’ Corner, in Dam Street, between 10am and 12noon.
The previous evening, Tuesday 23 August, District Council House will join other public buildings across the UK in being lit up in yellow and blue in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
The Leader of Lichfield District Council, Councillor Doug Pullen, said:
“Ukrainian refugees have suffered the trauma of losing loved-ones and being uprooted from their homes through the Russian invasion.
“Lichfield district has welcomed a number of them, and I have been moved by the generosity of our residents in offering accommodation, money and donations to support these people.
“Wednesday 24 August is a very important day for Ukrainians around the world and I am looking forward to joining those now living in Lichfield district in marking it with the rally at Speakers’ Corner.”