The Ukrainian flag was raised for the first time in Federal Way at 9 a.m. Aug. 23 at City Hall.
The flag raising commemorated both Ukrainian flag day on Aug. 23, and Ukrainian independence day on Aug. 24, 1991.
The relationship between Federal Way and Ukraine is also strengthened by the sister city of Rivne and the large population of Ukrainian Americans in the Federal Way community.
This marks the fourth flag that celebrates a specific culture or group in the diverse community of Federal Way, where the school district counted 123 total languages spoken at home last year.
Other flags include the Irish flag, Pride flag and Juneteenth flag.
Mayor Jim Ferrell and Federal Way City Council President Linda Kochmar shared remarks as well as President of the Ukrainian Association of Washington Lilia Kovolenko, local Ukrainian community leader and South King Fire Chaplain Vitaliy Piekhotin, and Pastor Anatoliy Kolomiyets.
“I am proud to stand with the men, women and children in Ukraine who deserve the freedom to pursue their dreams without fear,” said Kochmar, adding that “raising the Ukrainian Flag serves as a reminder for this community to defend what’s right.”
12-year-old Zlata sings the Ukrainian National Anthem as the flag is raised for the first time at Federal Way City Hall. Photos by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror
Piekhotin and his wife, Irina, also recently returned from Ukraine for their tenth trip delivering aid, this time consisting of four ambulances filled to the brim with emergency supplies.
While the flag raising included joy and celebration, organizers made sure that the gravity of the current situation in their country was felt.
At one point, they played an air raid siren and invited the crowd to join them in a moment of silence to reflect on the terror of the daily reality experienced by people in Ukraine right now because of the Russian invasion.
After the official speakers and raising of the flag, community members stuck around to enjoy Ukrainian snacks and coffee as well as a few more song performances by young people.
More photos:
Lili Kovolenko speaks at the flag raising in her role as the President of the Ukrainian Association of Washington State. Photos by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror
Lesia Vsach and her nine children moved to Federal Way from Ukraine a year ago and shared through a translation app that seeing the flag in Federal Way brings a “feeling of home, seeing a part of yourself and a part of your life there in Ukraine.” Photos by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror
Ukrainian community members and local leaders pose with the Ukrainian flag after it is raised for the first time at city hall. Photos by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror
Community members enjoyed a table full of snacks and coffee as well as a traditional bread for the occasion. Photos by Keelin Everly-Lang / the Mirror
