Flags are potent visual symbols and for countless generations people have flocked around them. Tuesday, August 23 was Ukraine national flag day, celebrated since 2004, and was marked in Rye by the raising of the yellow and blue flag above the town hall.
The first Ukrainian national flag was adopted in 1848 by revolutionaries wanting to be free of Austro-Hungarian rule and was yellow over blue, taking its colours from the coat of arms of the city of Lviv. Later in 1918 the decision was made to reverse the stripes to reflect the symbolism of blue skies over golden wheat fields. Banned during the Soviet Union era, the flag was restored to use in 1992.
Mayor of Rye Andi Rivett started the ceremony by underlining the town’s support and commitment both to the twenty Ukrainian families settled here at present and to the wider struggle: “We express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they courageously continue to defend their way of living against a completely pointless but devastating invasion.”
After the raising of the flag our magnificent town crier, Paul Goring, let it be known that Rye was proud to do so, both in tribute to the people of Ukraine and their struggle and to honour the families staying in the area. He concluded by expressing the hope, surely shared by us all, that peace should return to that country.
A hub, organised by Anthony Kimber back in March, aims to give continuing support to the families as well as an opportunity for social meetings. He ended his remarks by saying, “Whatever happens in Ukraine…our Ukrainian guests can be assured that we shall continue to work to ensure that they remain secure and welcome in the local area.”
The last words, though, should surely go to Ukrainian Olena, now living with us: “This holiday was established in 2004 by our president Kuchma. Because of what has happened in the last year it has become very important because it means independence, freedom, victory.”
Image Credits: Martin Bruce .