GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) — August 24, 1991 is the 31-year anniversary Ukraine gained its independence from the Soviet Union.
August 24, 2022 marks six months since Russian forces invaded Ukraine.
Since the Russian invasion began, more than 13,000 Ukrainian civilians have either been killed or injured, and more than 13 million people have been displaced.
The reason why dozens of people in Green Bay are uniting as one for Ukraine.
"They're almost like a family," Yevgen Melnkov said, who was a part of the rally and is from Eastern Ukraine.
Organizers say some of the people at the rally are Ukrainian, including Melnkov, who gave a speech thanking the United States for its help.
"It's just unbelievable how much Americans understand Ukrainians that's fighting for their freedom," Melnkov said.
Roughly 40 people showed their solidarity by wearing the colors of the Ukrainian flag, carrying that flag itself, singing the Ukrainian national anthem, giving speeches, holding a moment of silence, and forming a chain of unity.
"We are blessed to have peace," organizer Oksana Kobzar said. "And I think that tells us we can support you in that way."
Six months since the invasion.
"It's tired, but it's not done," Kobzar said. "And I think we need to understand that."
To try to understand people whose last six months have been war.
"We are Ukrainians outside of Ukraine," Kobzar said. "But we are with Ukraine in our hearts and our minds."
Wisconsin Ukrainians, Inc organized the rally. It's a non-profit that supports humanitarian efforts and aid to the people in Ukraine.
You can donate to help support the effort by clicking here.
