It was an incredible honor to participate in the historic Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade! Thank you, Rose Festival Parade Committee for welcoming DAWN to take part in this amazing event to celebrate Ukraine! This event would not be possible without guidance and wisdom of Jessica Metteer. All of our banners, map, and the two long flags were made in Ukraine. Thank you, Brian Curtis for constructing the frame for the Map, made up in the style of embroidery from Ukraine’s distinct regions symbolizing Ukraine’s values of Unity, Dignity and Liberty; and Rich McClure for mounting the banners.
We are incredibly grateful to all who joined to walk with us. What an honor to march along side with a diverse community and members of various organizations all joining together to support and celebrate Ukraine! We are excited to have with us Andriy Shulik and all who support Ukraine every Saturday at 12 pm on 205 bridge. We are grateful to Hongcheng and Oregon Chinese Coalition, for supporting Ukraine from the very start and marching with us. Thank you, Portland Refugee Support Group for supporting our projects and marching in the parade! It was a blessing to have father Volodymyr and the members Orthodox Church in our community! We are so grateful for Olga Safina with Ukrainian Care, Luba Gonina and Natalia Sereda w Lutheran Community Services, Steven Dehner with North Plains Library Natalia Sakun who will be soon going to Ukraine to provide much needed dental care for those in need, for joining in Celebrating Ukraine with us.
At the time when sunflowers were hard to come by, Dominika Pukay and Galina Volohylov unearthed beautiful flowers for this event.  We thank New Season’s Market and Scott Isensee with Frank Adams Whole Sale Florist for your support in sourcing the sunflowers! Deep gratitude to Natalia Sereda for creative ideas. Thank you, Valentina for leading coordination and organizing efforts for the participants, and Maria for coordinating vyshyvankas.  Maria, Sonia, Galina, Valentina, Cait, Dominka did an amazing job with the decorations! Thank you, Sofia for organizing our parade column and designing the banners! Thank you, Lee for your help coordinating marchers.  Thank you, Inna for celebrating Ukraine with your beautiful voice; thank you to Darka for your voice, talents and support.  Thank you Darka Dusty and Miri for the music and amp equipment.
We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers who help pack medical supplies that we air ship to Ukraine.  Our hearts and thoughts are with those whose life circumstances prevented them from being able to join at the last minute.  Look forward to seeing all of you in the future.
We thank the American community for your support!  We received a standing ovation.
Thank you to all the heroes in Ukraine fighting for assurance of Liberty and Democracy for All!
Glory to Ukraine and Glory to Her Heroes! Together to Victory!