By: Yael Grosman
Ukrainian Independence Day is celebrated on August 24 worldwide. Learn how you can celebrate here in the United States, and find an event near you!
On August 24, Ukrainians around the world will celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day, a holiday that officially commemorates the Act of Declaration of Independence, which was passed in by the National Parliament on August 24, 1991. This declaration gave the nation its official independent status and represented a new future for Ukraine, separate from the Soviet Union. Ukraine’s independence was affirmed through a national referendum in the same year, which boasted a huge voter turnout and a final result of 92% of Ukrainians in favor of independence.
By Ввласенко – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
The holiday has historically represented independence, sovereignty, and resilience, but since Russia’s invasion and the beginning of the full-scale war, the day now means so much more. The day serves not only to remember the past, but also to honor the soldiers fighting now, commemorating all the brave individuals who gave their lives to fight for Ukraine’s independent statehood.
At this time, independence in Ukraine isn’t something just to be celebrated, but also something that citizens are actively fighting to uphold under immense pressure and difficult circumstances. Even through the trials and tribulations of this ongoing fight, the holiday’s central theme of resilience remains strong.
Ukrainian Independence Day rally in front of the White House – August 2022
This year, there are many ways you can be part of celebrating Ukraine’s independence. Take a look at the below for a selection of the events nationwide celebrating Independence Day. Look for an event near you, and support the local community by attending, and by spreading the word.
One easy way you can help is by marking yourself as “going” or “interested” to Facebook events in support of Ukraine. It’s a simple action that flags this event to your friends on Facebook, and helps the organizers raise awareness more widely about their event.
Beyond attending these events and engaging with the Ukrainian community, you can help make a difference this Independence Day by volunteering. Organizations such as Ukraine Defense Support, DAWN, Community for Ukraine, Razom for Ukraine, The American Coalition for Ukraine, and many others offer opportunities for volunteers to get involved from anywhere, and make a real and meaningful change for those fighting on the front lines.
By Mykola Swarnyk – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
In the midst of war, Independence Day is more than just a celebration. It’s an ongoing fight that we can all make our impact on. Help make a difference today by joining together with your local community, volunteering, or donating to help Ukraine preserve its democracy.
Join the community at one of these upcoming events:
- 22 Aug, DC – D.C. Celebrates Ukraine’s Independence Day, Washington DC. Organizers: US Ukrainian Activists
- 22 Aug, MI – Ukrainian Independence Day Picnic – Ann Arbor, MI. Organizers: UNWLA, Branch 50, Ann Arbor, MI
- 22 Aug, TN – Ukrainian Independence Potluck Picnic – Knoxville, TN. Organizers: koloHUB and Oksana Tatsuk, Hank Rappe Playground, Knoxville, TN
- 23 Aug, PA – Ukrainian Independence Day – Pittsburgh, PA. Organizers: Valeriya Gritsenko and Ukrainian Community of Morgantown
- 23 Aug, IL – Independence Day Unity March – Chicago, IL. Organizers: Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Illinois Division, 1556 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
- 23 Aug, CA – Ukrainian Independence Day – Los Angeles, CA. Organizers: Ukrainian Culture Center – UCC, 4315 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
- 23 Aug, CA – Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day San Diego. Organizers: House of Ukraine, 2773 N Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA
- 24 Aug, SC – Ukraine Independence Day Rally – Greenville, SC. Organizers: South Carolina Stands with Ukraine and Hayden Laye, Court Square (130 S Main St, Greenville, SC)
- 29 Aug, AL – Ukraine’s Independence Day Celebration – Huntsville, AL. Organizers: The Fellowship of the Rolling Pin and Friends for Ukraine, Yuliya Alekseeva Keener, 228 Mount Zion Rd, Huntsville, AL
Click here to find an event near you: https://www.facebook.com/Community4Ukraine/events
Note: These events were found by our volunteers through research online. We haven’t vetted all the organizers – be sure to do your own due diligence. Also, double check the details of each event before attending, as there may have been updates to the time, location, or event description.
Got corrections or updates? Have an event you want us to add? Email us at communityforukraine@gmail.com.
Check out the Ukraine Independence Day live map of events, created by the American Coalition for Ukraine & UNWLA!
