Yesterday was the 31st Ukrainian Independence Day and was celebrated in downtown Swift Current with a flag raising.

Attending the flag raising was a multitude of individuals, including the Executive Director for the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre, Icasiana de Gala, Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal, and a host of families from Ukraine.

Bridal was invited to raise the flag in Market Square, with assistance from all the Ukrainian children who were present.

"I believe it's very important that as Canadians we show support for something like this," said Bridal. "I believe we need to show support in any way we can and this is my small way of recognizing Ukrainian Independence Day."

After the flag was raised, Bridal spoke about the extreme circumstances surrounding families and friends back in Ukraine, concerning the ongoing war with Vladimir Putin's Russia. He offered them well wishes, hoping their time in Canada is comfortable.

"I would like to tell them my heart goes out to you," shared Bridal. "I hope that you find safety here in Swift Current and Saskatchewan. My prayer for you is that shortly you'll be able to go home to Ukraine and have your families in your homes again."

For de Gala, it was a great day for celebrating the success they've had in helping those families and individuals that have arrived in Canada from Ukraine. 

"A lot of them know very little English," said de Gala. "But it helps that there are some Ukrainians who are already here that could become interpreters. A lot of employers are reaching out and offering 'Hey, we are accepting' or 'We are able to provide employment for the Ukrainians'. "

The Newcomer Welcome Centre has been striving to make these displaced families' transitions to life in Canada as painless and stress-free as possible. That's a tall task to tackle. These are families who still have loved ones a world away, fighting for their freedom and survival.

One such individual is Daryna Shten, who immigrated to Canada years ago, seeing the rise of Russian aggression back in 2014. After Putin invaded Crimea, she and her husband decided it would be best to come to Canada, but that doesn't mean that they aren't racked with worry for their homeland.

"Canada supporting Ukrainians very much and we can feel that and we really appreciate that," said Shten. "I think no one country doesn't support stuff like that. When we immigrate here, we had so much troubles with immigration, and now it's so easy, and I think Ukrainians need to appreciate that help. I want to express my deep gratitude for this support."

But yesterday was a day to celebrate the strength of Ukraine. Their independence came to light at the end of the Soviet era, allowing them to freely celebrate their pride as Ukrainians. In 1991, it marked the beginning of the Ukrainian state in the modern era, ushering in a new age of prosperity for millions of its citizens. Today, they fight to maintain that freedom. 

Ukraine is not something so easily broken. President Zelensky has proven that they will stand up for their freedoms, their rights, and their independence. Every single Ukrainian fighting in this war, be it on the front lines, at home, or in the world abroad, raising awareness, was able to celebrate their 31st Independence Day. And it won't be the last.