Ukraine rally sends clear message of support: “Stand with us, be with us”

By Brian Lockhart

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As bombs and missiles ravage major Ukrainian cities, people in the western world have reacted with shock and disgust at the attack on a peaceful nation.

Protests took place at several locations across the country over the weekend including a huge rally in front of the Russian consulate in Toronto.

In Caledon, residents wearing Ukrainian colours and waving the national flag gathered at Caledon Town Hall to voice their opposition to the war.

Caledon has a large number of residents of Ukrainian heritage and many of them turned out for this event in a cohesive effort to support their homeland.

Caledon Town Councillor Christina Early, spoke to the crowd, and made the statement, “Glory to Ukraine,” which prompted the crowd to respond with, “glory to the heroes.”

The phrase is well known in Ukraine and has become a rallying cry during this present military conflict.

Member of Provincial Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, Syliva Jones, attended a similar rally in Orangeville at noon before making her way to Caledon East for this event.

“Thank you to those of you that joined us in Orangeville as well,” Ms. Jones said. “This really speaks to our community coming together, wanting to be a comfort to our friends and our neighbours, and, of course, to assist in any way possible, the fight in Ukraine. Some individuals will look at this as a simple gesture; I disagree. When I connected (with organizers) I asked what I could do to help. (I was told) stand with us – be with us. Which is what we are doing here as a community today. If you are able, you can personally assist by donating to organizations who are providing assistance in Ukraine – the Canada Ukraine Foundation, the Red Cross, and many others.”

Ms. Jones said the provincial government is working with the federal government to fast-track refugees who want to come to Ontario.

Mayor Allan Thompson, said, according to the latest census, 11 per cent of residents in Caledon are of Polish/Ukrainian heritage.

“They are devastated by the savage attack and the war from Russia against Ukraine, and it isn't the first time,” Mayor Thompson said. “We're here today because we stand with them in the community of citizens around the world condemning Russia.”

A Caledon Fire Department colour guard marched in the meeting area and stood guard by the war memorial cenotaph.