Ukrainian flag flies at Kitchener City Hall to commemorate Independence Day
Six months to the day since Russia began its invasion, a defiant Ukraine is marking Independence Day.
At Kitchener City Hall, the Ukrainian flag was raised during the noon hour Wednesday.
Aug. 24 commemorates Ukraine’s 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.
An organizer for the flag raising says the show of solidarity is key for those finding a new home in Waterloo region.
“As you know, Kitchener and Waterloo region invited many newcomers and it’s important for them especially,” said organizer Tanya Chuchkevych. “They see not only welcome, but they see the city cares about them – not only Ukrainians, but any culture, any newcomers, any people who run from war.”
The lights along King Street in Uptown Waterloo will also be turned blue and yellow on Wednesday night.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed his country today, saying during the past six months, Ukraine has changed history, changed the world and changed its people.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Wednesday commemorating Ukrainian Independence Day.
"While its territory lies thousands of kilometres from us, Canadians share a strong connection to Ukraine and Ukrainians. Strengthened by our people-to-people ties and Canada’s Ukrainian community, this is such an important day for people in both of our countries, and it comes at a time when Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom," the statement read in part.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Running through middle age can keep brain healthy and neurons wired: study
Exercising as you age can help maintain memory and fight cognitive decline, according to a new study.

Prediabetes: The younger you are, the higher the risk of dementia
People who develop prediabetes when they’re younger are likely to have a higher risk for dementia in later life, a new U.S. study has found.
GOP-controlled Texas House impeaches Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, triggering suspension
Texas' Republican-led House of Representatives impeached state Attorney General Ken Paxton on Saturday on articles including bribery and abuse of public trust, a sudden, historic rebuke of a GOP official who rose to be a star of the conservative legal movement despite years of scandal and alleged crimes.
Hamilton police ask residents to shelter after barricaded man involved in double homicide fires shots
Police in Hamilton, Ont. are dealing with a barricaded person who they say is involved in the deaths of two people.
White's putback as time expires lifts Celtics past Heat, forces Game 7 in East finals
Derrick White scored on a putback with 0.1 seconds left and the Boston Celtics moved to the brink of the greatest comeback in NBA playoffs history, holding off the Miami Heat 104-103 on Saturday night to force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference finals.
Dellandrea scores twice in 3rd, Stars stay alive with 4-2 victory over Golden Knights
Ty Dellandrea scored twice in a 1:27 span midway through the third period and the Dallas Stars beat the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 on Saturday night to stay alive in the Western Conference Final.
Team Canada hockey players Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey engaged
Celebrated Team Canada hockey players Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey have announced their engagement.
Attorney for 11-year-old Mississippi boy shot by police says there's 'no way' he could have been mistaken for an adult
An attorney for an 11-year-old Mississippi boy who was shot by a police officer after he called 911 for help said Thursday there was 'no way' the boy could have been mistaken for an adult.
Killer whales wreck boat in latest attack off Spain
Killer whales severely damaged a sailing boat off the coast of southern Spain, the local maritime rescue service said on Thursday, adding to dozens of orca attacks on vessels recorded so far this year on Spanish and Portuguese coasts.