Supporters gather during candlelight vigil for Ukraine
Posted: April 1, 2022 285
Lynnwood Councilmember Shannon Sessions gets a blue ribbon during the vigil at Lynnwood City Hall Thursday night.
“I pray, I worry. But I know that God will lead us and keep us,” said Olena, who immigrated with her family from Kyiv, Ukraine two years ago. “People don’t understand what I have seen with my own eyes. I wish they never see what I have seen in my life. And I wish God bless America, and I wish the best for this country. I love this country. And I love people.”
Pastors John and Vita Petrus from the Image Church in Bothell listen to the Ukrainian national anthem.
Lynnwood City Councilmember Julieta Altamirano-Crosby addresses attendees.
“It is the City of Lynnwood’s belief that all people who choose to live peaceably should be free from invasion, strife, persecution, and any other military actions against them,” said Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell (shown to the right of Councilmember Shannon Sessions, with microphone.
Vladimir listens to speakers.
“As a former refugee myself 46 years ago, I came to this country when I was just a teenager,” said Van Dinh-Kuno, executive director of Refugee and Immigrant Services. “The community here opened the door for me and my family. You didn’t know me. You opened your hearts and your arms and welcomed me and my family. And because of that I am able to stand in front of you today.”
“Just looking at the tragedy, all we can do is pray, and give, and just believe that this war will be stopped,” said Image Church Pastor Vita Petrus.
Ukranian immigrant Vera speaks to the crowd: “We don’t know what’s going to happen to (people in Ukraine). But if you have a chance today to do something good, do it. If you can hug someone, hug someone. If you want to say something good, say it. If you can pray, pray.”
From left, Lynnwood Police Commander Cole Langdon and Police Chief Jim Nelson attended the candlelight vigil.
Participants hold candles during the event.
More than 100 people came together at the Lynnwood City Hall Thursday evening to support Ukraine and its people. The mood was subdued, with people wearing blue and yellow ribbons on their chests. Some wore sunflowers, a bright symbol of Ukraine’s quest for peace and its bold resistance.
Speakers drove home that this gathering was not political. “This vigil is not about us. It is not about politics. It is about the Ukrainian community. About supporting each other,” said Lynnwood Council Member Julieta Altamirano-Crosby.
The community has already been welcoming new Ukrainian residents. Van Dinh-Kuno, Executive Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest, said: “In the last two weeks, we have had over 50 people arrive here (from Ukraine). Their children have signed up with the Edmonds School District. Please open your arms and your hearts and support our Ukrainian people.”
Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell said, “The City of Lynnwood commits to supporting Ukrainians living in our community and who may choose to come by offering our solidarity, our support, and our connection to resources.”
Following the speakers, candles were given out and people bowed their heads in prayer.
Since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, four million people have fled the country, with another 10 million displaced within its borders.
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as of March 30, there have been 1,232 civilian deaths and 1,935 injured in Ukraine. Between 2,000 to 4,000 Ukrainian military personnel have been killed.
The rally was hosted by The Image Church and the City of Lynnwood.
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