Ukrainian flag raised at constables’ office
THE UKRAINIAN flag was raised above St Peter Port constables’ office yesterday morning as the parish marked the country’s independence day.
Douzenier Evita Bormane said the gesture was a show of solidarity and strength with Ukraine, as the country commemorates 32 years since it was freed from Soviet rule.
‘I’m from Latvia so I remember what it like growing up in the USSR, we view people from other eastern European countries as our brothers and sisters,’ she said.
‘I personally feel very strongly about this. If I’m in a position to do something like this then I will do it.’
She said the raising of the flag had extra significance because of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
‘It’s a little thing but it means a lot to eastern Europeans to see a show of support like this. The war feels so close back home.
‘I’ve sent pictures to my family and friends in Latvia. We get very emotional about something like this because we remember how it was to be occupied and how it felt.’
She added that a Latvian flag would be hoisted above the roundabout on 18 November to mark Latvia’s own independence day.
Independence Day of Ukraine is the main state holiday in modern Ukraine, and it commemorates the declaration of independence in 1991.
Historically it had been part of the Russian Empire, and it became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union in 1922.
Normally, Ukraine marks the day with a military parade in Kyiv. Due to the country being under martial law, no mass events were expected this year, but some celebrations were still planned. It was planned that damaged enemy equipment would be displayed in the country.
