Defending Ukrainian freedom rally, tomorrow on Utah’s capitol steps
Feb 24, 2023, 5:00 PM
FILE: People march against the war in Ukraine in Salt Lake City on Saturday, March 12, 2022. (Spenser Heaps /Deseret News)
(Spenser Heaps /Deseret News)
One year later, The war on Ukraine is ongoing. Join KSL NewsRadio on a ‘special hour” at 6 p.m. to discuss updates.
SALT LAKE CITY — Saturday, on the Utah Capitol building steps, people will gather together to rally in support of the year-long fight against Russia in Ukraine.
Coined “365 Days of Defending Freedom,” Utahns, lawmakers, and Ukrainians alike will come together. They want to spread awareness of Ukraine’s fight and the Ukrainian people’s right to exist.
The event is hosted by the Utah Ukrainian Community, Utah Ukrainian Association, Ukrainian Center Utah “Dzherelo” and the activist organization “Klych.”
The Ukrainian community in Utah is referred to collectively as Ukrainian Diaspora. They, along with event organizer Maryna Detsyura, intend to update attendees about what has been occurring in Ukraine over the last year.
Almost defiantly, the rally description reads, “On February 24th, 2022, the world predicted that Ukraine would fall in three days. Soon we will mark day number 365.”
Detsyura, who is from Ukraine, explains there are falsehoods that are spreading. Specifically about the well-being of the Ukrainian people.
“The war is not over,” said Detsyura.
“We want to express our gratitude for the help we have already received in the past year,” she said. “We have multiple non-profit communities working with us.”
Who will be at the capitol?
The rally is for all Utahns who would like recognize the strength and perseverance of the Ukrainian people. Along with the global alliance against Russian genocide.
Further, event organizers want to remind Utahns that Ukraine has been resisting what they call Russian President Vladimir Putin’s genocide for an entire year. And, that the nation and its people are still standing. But she said that hasn’t been without help, help that Ukraine still desperately needs to survive.
The rally will feature music from Dallyn Vail Bayles and a Ukrainian choir. Also scheduled are speeches from elected officials in Utah, volunteers, and Ukrainian professional athletes.
Additionally, in attendance at the rally will be a national security advisor and a representative from the office of Utah Gov Spencer Cox.
“It’s important to support your neighbor or the country next to you or even the country across the planet … that means you agree with people’s civil rights,” Detsyura said.
The rally is scheduled to last from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25.
“If you don’t support the freedom and democracy of another country … eventually … evil will expand its power,” Detsyura concluded.
Related reading
- Biden in Poland says US and allies ‘have Ukraine’s back’
- Report says Russian government is holding Ukrainian kids in camps
- 12 killed as Russian airstrikes hit targets across Ukraine
