Blue skies and blue waters, golden fields of wheat – the Ukrainian flag evokes the character of its nation like no other flag.
Ukraine became a sovereign republic in 1991, when the country’s Parliament adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence, on Aug. 24 – after decades as a State within the Soviet Union. In 1992, the parliament reinstated the Verkhovna Rada, the blue and gold flag of Ukraine.
For the past five years, the Ukrainian Community of Bradford has celebrated its Independence Day with a Proclamation by the Town, and a flag-raising at the Bradford Courthouse.
Over those five years, the country has experienced tumultuous events – including the invasion of Crimea by Russian troops, in 2014. That ongoing conflict lent a sober note to this year’s celebration, held on Saturday, Aug. 25.
Organizer Oksana Kobzar called for a minute of silence, “for all fallen Ukrainian soldiers.”
Mayor Rob Keffer, joined by members of Town Council, read a proclamation recognizing Ukrainian independence, and acknowledging the “proud Ukrainian Canadians (who) have chosen Bradford West Gwillimbury as a future for your families, your children,” and who have chosen to share and to celebrate “your heritage with the community.”
There were prayers and Ukrainian songs, and many of the Ukrainian-Canadians who came out to mark the occasion wore the traditional embroidered shirts and dresses so characteristic of the country’s decorative arts.
And there was food – including traditional cabbage rolls - shared with all who attended, following the singing of the Canadian and Ukrainian national anthems, and the raising of the flag of Ukraine.
There was also a gift to the community: the Ukrainian Credit Union Ltd. Presented a cheque for $1,000 at the event.
The Ukrainian Community of Bradford has deep roots in Bradford West Gwillimbury, dating back to at least the 1950s, in the Holland Marsh. At one time there was a Ukrainian Cultural Centre on Simcoe Road, which not only participated in the Town’s harvest and Salad Festivals, but hosted a New Year’s Eve celebration that drew participants from across the region, of all ethnicities.
The former Centre has now been fully renovated and restored, and is the home of Archangel St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church, as a new wave of Ukrainian immigrants have made Bradford West Gwillimbury their home.
