Candlelight Vigil for Ukraine

March 12, 2022 -- Thank you to all who gathered at City Hall this evening to show support for the people of Ukraine and Highland Park's Ukrainian community. Many thanks to the speakers who shared so movingly their experiences, grief, and hopes. Many community members expressed a desire to provide direct support to Ukraine. USAID encourages American individuals who wish to support humanitarian relief to send cash donations (rather than packages) to reputable relief organizations with established work in Ukraine. Before making a financial contribution to a charity, research how the organization uses its donations, and ensure that your donation is designated to support the crisis in Ukraine. Lists of organizations to consider supporting are available from USAID/Center for International Disaster Information, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

Remarks from Mayor Rotering

Slava Ukraini. Glory to Ukraine. Good evening and thank you for joining us. My name is Nancy Rotering and I am the Mayor of Highland Park. I ask that we begin with a moment of silence as we mourn the innocent lives lost since the invasion of Ukraine began.

We come together as a community to recognize and support our Ukrainian friends and neighbors. We can only imagine the pain and sorrow, fear and worry all are experiencing in the face of this horrific invasion and war.  We feel helpless yet urgent in our desire to support and to help.

So, we come together tonight to show our support to those who are Ukrainian who live here, and those who have friends and family in harm’s way, or who are on the run from their homeland.

This is an opportunity for us to take a moment, to reflect, and to share our hearts with a strong, free and courageous country and its people.

Together we will raise the Ukrainian flag in the heart of our city, and reflect on the State Anthem of Ukraine. We’ll first read together the anthem in English. Next, we will raise the flag and sing the anthem.  If you have brief thoughts you would like to share, we are here to listen. But I ask that we hold this moment in time as a place for peace, reflection, love and support for our neighbors in pain.

The State Anthem of Ukraine