Lamont Flag Raising Ceremony Show of Support for People of Ukraine

Lamont Flag Raising Ceremony Show of Support for People of Ukraine

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Two local municipalities joined forces in a show of solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine during a joint flag raising ceremony on March 4.

About 40 people gathered on the street outside Town of Lamont and Lamont County administrative buildings in the early afternoon for the special event.

Lamont Mayor Kirk Perrin welcomed guests, stating, “It is wonderful to see so many people here today to show their solidarity and support to those in Ukraine and in our country living through such turbulent times.

We are here to raise the flag of the people of Ukraine, two horizontal bands of yellow and blue representing wide blue skies and wheat fields of Ukraine. We do this in their honour.

Marley MacKinnon and Rylee Williams raise the flag of Ukraine with the assistance of Lamont County Community Peace Officer Derek Wright.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

We have seen during these uncertain days a pride, determination and courage of Ukrainian people. We gather here today to raise their flag to honour the victims of this senseless and tragic war.”

Lamont County Reeve David Diduck said, “What is happening in Ukraine is heart wrenching, both due to the brutality of the Russian assault and for the amazing resolve of the people of Ukraine.

How did the world and we as a society allow this atrocity to happen? World leaders spoke for weeks of the possibility of a Russian invasion into Ukraine. Yet, there were no real diplomatic efforts to deescalate the buildup of Russian military surrounding Ukraine.”

Members of the Lamont Veselka Dancers. L-R: Marley MacKinnon, Kira Snyder and Rylee Williams.

(Hilary Anaka/Submitted Photo)

Diduck went on to say, “The brutality and violence by Russia against Ukraine and its people is incomprehensible. Contrary to previous wars, this war is being brought into our living rooms and we can see first-hand the devastation and destruction that is being inflicted on Ukraine and its people. The images we are seeing are apocalyptic. The result is a humanitarian crisis is developing like the world has not seen and a country is slowly having the life choked out of it.

Ukraine and its people are showing a strong resolve, however, they need our help. Aside from keeping Ukraine and its people in our prayers, Ukraine is in need of humanitarian aid.”

Former Premier Ed Stelmach brought greetings and remarks on behalf of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, who could not attend the event because the legislature was in session.

Stelmach, currently services as Chair of the Stand With Ukraine Committee of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council. During his address he asked attendees to do whatever they can to support the humanitarian effort.

Stelmach closed the ceremony with a special prayer. That was followed by the singing of O Canada.