We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/ScriptUKRAINE COLORADO VIGIL
HEADLINE: Ukrainian and Polish Communities in Colorado Raise Funds, Remember World War II Victims
TEASER: Events join efforts by Ukrainians in Colorado and Polish Club of Denver
PUBLISHED AT: 03/29/2022 at 10:11 pm
BYLINE: Svitlana Prystynska
DATELINE: Denver, Colorado
VIDEO EDITOR: Maria Perry
SCRIPT EDITORS: Mia Bush, MPage
VIDEO SOURCE (S): ALL VOA
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV X RADIO __
TRT: 3:26
VID APPROVED BY: Holly Franko
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO))
[[Opponents of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine gathered in the U.S. state of Colorado to raise funds for displaced civilians and to remember those killed by Nazis during World War II. From Denver, Svitlana Prystynska has our story.]]
((NARRATOR))
Ukrainian and Polish communities in Colorado joined to raise funds for medical supplies for Ukrainians displaced inside the country and those who have fled to Poland. Marina Dubrova heads the group “Ukrainians of Colorado.”
((Marina Dubrova, Ukrainians of Colorado))
“A lot of medical supplies are on the way to Ukraine and that’s our mission and we will be on that mission as long as the war is going on. Our final mission, I think, is to help Ukraine to rebuild.”
((NARRATOR))
Georgia Dickey has never been to Ukraine but came to the fundraiser with her husband, Hugh, to support those displaced.
((Georgia Dickey, Colorado Resident))
“This sign we want to put in the entrance in our neighborhood so everyone can see it, and we have got some stickers and some Ukrainian candy for our grandchildren.”
((NARRATOR))
Many people at the fundraiser still have friends and family in Ukraine. Even at a distance, they are trying to do what they can to stand with Ukraine and with those in need.
[[Radio: Ukrainians of Colorado volunteer Olena Muslow]]
((Olena Muslow, Fundraiser Volunteer))
“I want to support people who are surviving during this horrible time. I have my parents. I have my niece there. I have a lot of friends who are really like my family. They are very, very close. I would do whatever I can from the bottom of my heart.”
[[Radio: Fundraiser visitor Valentin Usatyi]]
((Valentin Usatyi, Colorado Resident))
“I believe these kinds of events are very important. They help people who are working here to send help directly to people who need it.”
((NARRATOR))
Fundraising volunteer Mark Dillen says Poland’s continuing support for Ukrainians is outstanding.
((Mark Dillen))
“It is hard to imagine if they have a population in Poland of 34 million and you welcome two more million from a neighboring country.”
((NARRATOR))
Igor Radchenko moved to Colorado from Ukraine last year. He welcomes Polish support for Ukraine across their common border and here in the United States.
((Igor Radchenko, Colorado Resident ((in Ukrainian, establish and fade))))
“This event was organized by Polish people. They are like brothers to us, Ukrainians. We are excited that Polish people helping this much. That’s a strong friendship. It is important for Ukrainian people to know that they are not alone.”
((NARRATOR))
Ukrainian American activists also believe it is important for people to remember what has happened before. They gathered in Denver’s Babi Yar Memorial Park, designed to
commemorate the Nazi massacre of Ukrainian Jews and others in Kyiv during World War II.
[[Radio: Rabbi Emily Hyatt... ]]
((Rabbi Emily Hyatt, Temple Emanuel))
“We know how it was like. We are saying to every generation here that it has not always been easy. We speak out and show up to help. My family is from Ukraine, and if they would not have left hundreds of years ago, I still would be there. Everyone deserves to build that place for their children where they are not afraid to be. They shouldn’t sleep in basements and bomb shelters.”
((NARRATOR))
Irina Shatlov sees parallels between the violence of World War II and the current Russian invasion.
((Irina Shatlov, Ukrainians of Colorado))
“We would love to remind people what it means: Holocaust, genocide. And right now, it’s happening again in the middle of Europe. People dying. Children dying.”
((NARRATOR))
Denver City Council member Kendra Black co-hosted the event to help raise awareness about the violence in Ukraine brought on by the Russian invasion as Ukrainian activists here vow to keep up their fundraising and their vigils until the country is free.
((Svitlana Prystynska for VOA News, Denver))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Denver, Colorado
Embargo DateMarch 30, 2022 00:34 EDT
Byline((Svitlana Prystynska for VOA News, Denver))
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
