Commemorations for Ukraine's Independence Day are taking place across Lincolnshire

Through the Homes for Ukraine scheme we currently have just under 850 Ukrainian guests who are residing with almost 350 hosts across the county

Ukraine have now been at war for 6 months.
Author: Charlotte LinnecarPublished 24th Aug 2022

Lincolnshire is showing support to Ukrainians in the county by hosting celebrations of Ukraine's Independence Day, which falls six months after the country's invasion by Russia. The day also commemorates 31 years of independence from the former Soviet Union.

Lincolnshire locals are showing their support for Ukrainians by commemorating Ukraine's Independence Day, with acts such as blue and yellow light installations, and with parade's in towns.

As the 6 month mark of the beginning of the invasion on Ukraine by Russia takes place, as does the country's Independence Day.

Iryna Shevchuk is a member of the 'Hull and East Yorkshire Support the Ukraine People' Group on Facebook, and told us what Independence Day means to her:

"Of course, Independence Day of Ukraine is a big holiday for me!

"It's like a breath of fresh air, like a spring breeze, like a mother's hug! The main thing is the freedom of our spirit, and this was not taken into account by Russia. Perhaps many of us can be destroyed physically, but the will to Victory and love for the native land cannot be overcome by the enemy army, never."

Since the Spring, almost 850 Ukrainians have made Lincolnshire their temporary home, under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, that lets local residents host those in need.

READ MORE: Community fund to help Ukraine refugees settle in Lincolnshire launched

There have also been a total of nearly 350 hosts in Lincolsnhire, Jez Ashberry and his wife are one of those. They has been hosting a mother, 44 and daughter, 15 since the 18th of April:

"They're really nice, sweet, humble people. They're really greatful for everything, I think they're really happy to be in the UK, and from our point of view, you know, it's just been a real pleasure having them.

"Obviously we're aware that they've been through a terrible trauma, they've still got family in Ukraine, and we're just trying to do our best to make them feel comfortable and at home."

Some events taking place for Ukraine's Independence Day in Lincolnshire include, South Kesteven District Council's flying of the Ukraine flag, and lighting of the Guildhall in Grantham blue and yellow.

As guardians of the Homes for Ukraine scheme in the borough, North East Lincolnshire Council will continue to fly the Ukraine flag, above the Town Hall as a reflection of the borough's support.

The owners of Rauceby Hall are also holding an event to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day.

On social media people across the country will also show their solidarity with Ukraine by sharing pictures or videos of sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, using the hashtag #SunflowersForUkraine.

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