When: Monday, February 24, 2025
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland, Oregon
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Portland, OR – DAWN, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, invites the community to join 3 Years of Valor in Ukraine, an event commemorating the three-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This gathering will honor the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people, spotlight the ongoing need for support, and celebrate the unity of individuals and communities worldwide who have stood with Ukraine since February 2022.
This impactful event will feature:
Inspirational guest speakers and community leaders.
This impactful event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers and community leaders (in alphabetical order):
- Randy Blazak, PhD, board member, Lviv-Portland Sister Cities Association
- Yuri Boyechko, president, Ukrainian Foundation.
- Adam Bradley, retired Army Ranger who joined DAWN’s humanitarian mission to Ukraine’s front lines.
- Yulia Brockdorf, president, DAWN Inc.
- Rev. Andrea Cano, minister of the United Church of Christ
- Joe Cantrell, Photojournalist, board member Oregon ArtsWatch, Cherokee Nation, Land acknowledgement
- Lubomir Ivanishchuk, lead pastor, Ukrainian Bible Church.
- Fr. Liubomyr Mandziuk, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
- Devin Mullins, policy director and volunteer, DAWN Inc.
- Tetiana Odarich, MD, president, Ukrainian Alliance.
- Valentina Pishchanskaya-Cayanan, LMFT, DAWN Vice President
- John Rudoff, renowned photographer who documented Russian atrocities and Yulia Brockdorf’s frontline work in Ukraine.
- Evghenia Sincariuc, Ukrainian Care
- Tatianna Terdal, president, Lviv-Portland Sister Cities Association.
- Fr. Volodymyr Yavorskyi, Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Cultural performances and live music
- Sublime performances by professional musicians. Experience and celebrate Ukrainian culture with us!
- Artists include: Inna Kovtun, “Singing Dawn” – DAWN’s Children’s Ensemble, “Lisova Pisnya” (Forest Song) Ensemble, Roman Ivanko, Darka Dusty Stebivka, Marta Sivyy, and Ivanka Oliynyk. Descriptions and bios listed in section below.
Opportunities to connect with local organizations supporting Ukraine
A moment of reflection and solidarity for lives lost and the hope for a just peace
The event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend to show their support for Ukraine and its people. DAWN aims to unite the community around shared principles like dignity, freedom, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Participants are invited to come at 4 PM. Media is encouraged to come slightly later, from 5-8 PM.
We encourage attendees to bring electric/LED candles, as well as pictures of loved that live on in our memories. (Please note that real candles are not allowed.)
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Musical performances
Inna Kovtun is a celebrated ethno-singer and one of the foremost authorities on traditional Ukrainian folk music. With her profound mastery of both music and folklore, she has captivated audiences worldwide, sharing the rich and diverse sounds of Ukraine. A laureate of numerous prestigious Ukrainian and international music competitions, Inna is also a qualified Mental Health Professional. Currently, she serves as the Director of Health Equity and Culture at DAWN.
“Singing Dawn” – DAWN’s Children’s Ensemble: Led by Inna Kovtun, this ensemble is composed of Ukrainian children who arrived in the U.S. after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For the past year, they have come together, rehearsing and performing with pride, showcasing Ukrainian culture within the Portland community. Affectionately known as “Blue-Yellow,” the ensemble performs both traditional Ukrainian folk songs and contemporary Ukrainian hits.
“Lisova Pisnya” (Forest Song): The Lisova Pisnya ensemble was founded in Portland, Oregon, in 2024. It brings together Ukrainian immigrants from various waves of migration and American friends of Ukraine, united by their shared love for Ukrainian music. Under the guidance of director Tetiana Chub, the ensemble performs at cultural events across the Pacific Northwest, sharing the beauty and history of Ukraine through song.
Roman Ivanko is a talented musician, singer, composer, and performer of original songs. His music is known for its sincerity and emotional depth, with his voice capturing the essence and spirit of Ukraine.
Darka Dusty Stebivka is a renowned Ukrainian-American singer and political activist, and the winner of the first “Chervona Ruta” festival in the “Best International Band” category. She is an active advocate for Ukraine, having organized numerous fundraising events. Through her music, creativity, and activism, Darka continuously reminds the world of the importance of supporting Ukraine. She will perform alongside her partner Myroslav and her sister Nataliya, all of whom are members of the band “Darka Dusty and the Borshch Beatniks.”
Marta Sivyy is a gifted Christian music artist and songwriter, known for her moving compositions in both Ukrainian and English. With a deep, soulful voice and inspiring lyrics, she captures the spirituality and devotion that resonate in both languages. Marta’s music reflects her love for her heritage and her faith, offering a unique and heartfelt sound that connects with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Ivanka Oliynyk, a gifted singer and radio presenter, is renowned for her ethereal and enchanting voice that mesmerizes listeners from the first note. With her unique vocal style and warm stage presence, Ivanka has earned a devoted following in the Ukrainian community in Oregon and Washington.
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