Ukrainian flag flies over Sault city hall

Ukrainian flag flies over Sault city hall A flag raising in Sault Ste. Marie marks the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Mike McDonald reports.

Members of the Ukrainian community gathered in front of Sault Ste. Marie City Hall on Friday to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Those in attendance at the flag-raising ceremony included recent arrivals of Ukrainians fleeing the war in their homeland.

“It’s ensuring that voices in the community that are feeling these struggles of their family members, of their neighbours, of their homeland, are feeling welcomed and accepted by our community,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.

The flag-raising hits home for Coun. Stephan Kinach, who has family living in Ukraine.

“This event helps us stay close with our roots back home in Ukraine, whether it’s third generation, fourth generation that are already in Canada, or came (in the) last two years escaping war,” Kinach said.

Members of the Ukrainian community in North Bay will be gathering Saturday at noon at the Northgate Shopping Centre. In Sudbury, a rally will take place at 3 p.m. at Hnatyshyn Park.