Hundreds of Ukrainian and American adults and children from all walks of life turned out on Saturday for a Stand With Ukraine rally at Southport’s 100 year old Ukrainian American Club (UAC) to express solidarity with the Ukrainian people and government as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukrainian cities continues.

The event was spearheaded and organized in six days by Stacy Lytwyn of Easton and her brother, Fairfield resident and former UAC president, Paul Lytwyn. They worked closely with Michael Gudzik, whose grandfather was one of the founders of the club, and his wife, Carol, along with many others. The rally was also in response to the numerous calls to the UAC from concerned citizens throughout the state who offered to help and join efforts to send an anti-war message, joining nations around the world in an unprecedented movement to protect the freedom and human rights of Ukrainian citizens.

Ukrainian Iryna Lonchyna of New Milford kicked off the program by singing a rousing rendition of what is known as the “State Anthem of Ukraine.’” The native title is “Shche ne vmerla Ukraina,” which translates into “Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished.” 

Norwalk’s Jonathan Peters followed with the National Anthem that further stirred attendees.

From a carry-on utility trailer donated for the rally, Stacy Lytwyn introduced over a dozen speakers that included clergy and area leaders who also invigorated the crowd that waved signs and banners. Elected officials on the roster were Congressman Jim Himes, Fairfield’s First Selectwoman Brenda L. Kupchick and State Senator Tony Hwang. 

Themes of freedom and human rights for Ukrainian war victims magnified the mission of the rally. In fact, through collective efforts, the UAC raised over $5,400 in donations that will provide humanitarian aid to the victims of war in Ukraine. The charity handling the funds is the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Inc. (https://www.uuarc.org/). Certified by America’s Best Charities, “since its beginning in 1944, UUARC has fulfilled and is continuing to fulfill its mission of helping Ukrainians in need in Ukraine and throughout the world.”

Lytwyn ended the rally with the climactic words: “Putin: You have awakened a sleeping giant: FREEDOM! “

And then shouted, “De oppresso liber,” which is Latin for “to liberate the oppressed," and closed the program with the words "Slava Ukraini!" (Glory to Ukraine!) 

Photos By J.C. Martin, Story By Stacy Lytwyn For WestportLocalPress.com  

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