It was a somber tone to the recognition of Ukraine's 31st Year of Independence in both Winkler and Morden.
A small quiet ceremony was held Wednesday in Winkler at Bethel Heritage Park beneath the oak tree transplanted from Chortitza, Ukraine, to commemorate the day, acknowledging the difficulty and wide range of emotions all Ukrainians feel around the world.
Words of encouragement and comfort were spoken to the intimate crowd of Ukrainians who now call Winkler home. Mayor Martin Harder spoke of freedom and support for those coming to the city.
A moment of silence in recognition of the immediate fight for independence going on right now in their homeland, and prayers, were said for the safety of loved ones and for peace.
Alex Magola, who attended the Winkler event, shared some thoughts on the day.
A short time later, in Morden Park Bowl, people gathered for a concert with singing, dancing and words of recognition of the resilience of Ukrainians, and sharing history of Ukraine's Independence. People in the crowd included more than Ukrainians. There were many who have supported the many displaced people coming from the war-torn country.
Morden' s Andrii Diaur shared some thoughts on the day.
Diaur described why commemorating the day was important to Ukrainians living in Morden.
"It means that we're alive, and our spirit is impossible to break. One of the biggest things that happens in Ukraine now is a fear, it's not just something that happens physically, lots of damage happens morally, and this way we show it's impossible to break us."
