“Today: We Are All Ukrainian”; Hundreds Attend Westport Rally
Hundreds attended a rally to support Ukrainian families and to condemn the war on their safety and freedom. Supporters lined the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge in a classic scene of Westport strength and unity as adults and children, residents and visitors, constituents and leaders raised their homemade posters, donned golden and blue colors, and shouted Slava Ukraini - Glory to Ukraine - together.
After a collective march up Jesup Road to Jesup Green, the crowds listened to speakers like Senator Richard Blumenthal, Representative Jim Himes, President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of American Jaroslaw Palylyk, and Ukrainian Westporters Stephan Taranko and Mark Yurkiw. A common theme amongst the men was the absolute condemnation of Russia and its actions against Ukraine, including discussions of boycotting all Russian products and businesses serving Russia - such as crude oil, exported goods, and even Coca Cola products.
Despite the hatred that was the catalyst for such a demonstration, the crowd of strangers shared a sense of love through tears and with cheers as one person after another described feelings that are collectively felt by all human beings around the world.
Westporter Stephan Taranko spoke about his own childhood and family history - connecting with every adult and child in the crowd through his words about today and our history. “History is especially cruel when it repeats itself” he said into the microphone before he continued to describe today’s images of war. “I see the young mother with tears streaming down her cheeks trying to get her most precious possession, her baby, onto the train to safety. She does not care for her life, her only concern is for the safety of her child. That image does not fail to bring tears to my eyes and the question ‘chomu?’ - Ukrainian for ‘why?’”
He continued to speak about his mother, and all mothers: “You are amazing.” he exclaimed, “not only did you get each and every one of us into this world, but you nourished and protected us.”
All images by WestportLocal.com. Click on images to expand gallery. 
