HEMPSTEAD, New York – In the midst of Russian aggression against the independent country of Ukraine, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the Town Board have raised the Ukrainian Flag in a show of solidarity for the country that is currently under siege. Joining the officials raising the Ukrainian colors were representatives from the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, who are collecting supplies and donations for the people of Ukraine.
“This naked aggression by the Russian Federation in their invasion of Ukraine is reprehensible, and we condemn the Russian attack in the strongest possible terms,” said Clavin. “It is the duty of the free world to stand up and denounce this senseless violence, and do everything in our power to support the Ukrainian struggle for freedom.”
The most recent invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation began on February 24, 2022 – an escalation of a conflict that began in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and alleged support of pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. This expanded war has largely been waged on heavily populated cities, with Ukraine reporting extensive civilian casualties at the hands of Russian forces. The brutality being inflicted on the Ukrainian people has drawn condemnation from peoples across the world, including the members of the Hempstead Town Board.
As Ukraine remains engulfed by violence, the gathering of Hempstead Town officials and Ukrainian-Americans urged members of the public to aid in humanitarian efforts by donating much needed goods to civilians impacted by the conflict. Items currently in short supply include clothing, toiletries, medical supplies and other miscellaneous goods such as flashlights, hand warmers, etc. For more information on the collection drive being organized by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, please visit: https://uali.info/calendar/supply-drive-for-the-people-of-ukraine-6/
“The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation is an attack on the entire free world,” said Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby. “We cannot, and we will not, stand for such senseless violence. I am proud to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”
“The people of Ukraine deserve to live in peace and dignity, free from the aggressive tendencies of their bully neighbor, Russia,” said Councilman Anthony D’Esposito. “This flag raising symbolizes the solidarity our community and nation has with our friends in Ukraine, and we wish them well during this hour of great trial.”
“The Ukrainian people have exhibited such incredible bravery throughout the course of their struggle for freedom from tyranny, and I am proud to stand with them today,” said Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr. “Let’s show the world that America’s largest township will not be silent in the face of evil. Let us all support the Ukrainian people.”
“This is a time of great trial for Ukraine and for the entire free world,” said Councilman Thomas Muscarella. “The invasion of a free and sovereign nation is cause for extreme alarm, but the Ukrainian people are admirably defending their homeland, and I am proud to stand with them in solidarity today.”
“Ukraine is showing to the entire world the lengths that a free people will go to defend their democracy and their homeland,” said Councilman Christopher Carini. “I am proud to live in a community with hardworking Ukrainian neighbors, and I will always stand with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine as they struggle against evil.”
“This war is truly a tragedy on so many levels, and I am proud to join with my colleagues and members of the Ukrainian-American community to express my support for the people of Ukraine and for the need to end this senseless conflict,” said Councilwoman Missy Miller. “We will do everything we can here in Hempstead Town to ease the suffering of the Ukrainian people, and I urge my neighbors to support humanitarian efforts on their behalf.”
“It is important to stand up and speak out when a wrong is being committed on the international stage such as this flagrant violation of international law being committed by the Russian Federation,” said Clavin. “We have the power to support good versus evil in this case, and we can all do so by donating goods that will ease the suffering of the Ukrainian people while also letting our leaders in Washington know that Ukraine needs our support.”
