The Ukrainian flag is being flown at 200 Eaton Ave., Selkirk’s City Hall, as a show of support for the people of Ukraine.
The city has joined the chorus of voices from around the world that are opposing Russian aggression against Ukraine and in calling for an end to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attacks on innocent citizens. Estimates on the number of civilians killed during Russian bombings varies, but an estimate nearing 1,000 is being consistently reported.
Ten million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes – a number that is approaching one quarter of the nation’s total population. They have sought refuge in Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Moldova and Hungary.
Flag raising took place March 21
A flag raising ceremony, attended by Mayor Larry Johannson, Councillors Kelly Cook, Doug Poirier, April Hourie, Darlene Swiderski and CAO Duane Nicol, took place March 21.
“Raising the flag of the people of Ukraine is very, very important to the City of Selkirk,” Johannson said.
“The war really hits home for a lot of us. We have a lot of Ukrainian citizens in Selkirk, so it means everything to us to show our support. The tragedy in Ukraine is devastating to us all.”
Demonstrating support throughout Selkirk
The city has also demonstrated its support by lighting its water tower in the blue and yellow of Ukraine. Except for Earth Day, when the lights will be turned off, the tower will continue to be lit in the Ukrainian flag colours for the foreseeable future. The tower is lit from sundown to sunup.
Selkirk’s Marine Museum of Manitoba is also showing support by lighting two of its lighthouses in Ukrainian colours.
The City of Selkirk encourages those who are seeking information on ways to support Ukraine to contact the Ukrainian Canadian Congress at www.ucc.ca.
