GLEN SPEY –– The Lumberland Town Board recently recognized the 31st anniversary of Ukrainian Independence (August 24, 1991) with a proclamation, which was unanimously approved. It proclaimed the week of August 24, 2022 as “Ukrainian Independence Day/Week”  and urged all citizens to join in commemorating the anniversary. 

The proclamation also honored the efforts and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the current war against Russia, condemned Russian Federation behavior and acknowledged the “significant contributions” Ukrainian Americans have made to “the cultural fabric of the United States.”

A similar resolution was passed by the Sullivan County Legislature earlier this year.

District 2 Legislator Nadia Rajsz, a Lumberland resident and former town supervisor, as well as a member of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, reflected on the local support for Ukraine. 

“I’m very happy with the support that Ukraine has been getting in all aspects … The war, Independence Day and recognizing that Ukraine is an independent, sovereign nation that is fighting to continue for its freedom and democracy,” Rajsz told the Democrat. “In recognition of that, I’m just grateful to the community and everybody who understands that and supports us.”