Ukrainians march through downtown Washington in U.S. Independence Day Parade

This was reported by Ukrinform’s correspondent in Washington.

Members of the Ukrainian-American community carried signs expressing gratitude to the American people for their support of Ukraine, as well as congratulating the United States on its national holiday — Independence Day.

One group, organized by the US Ukrainian Activists, featured a large inflatable figure of an American eagle, symbolizing freedom, resilience, and the spirit of independence.

"Just as the eagle symbolizes America’s struggle for freedom, today it also represented Ukraine’s reselience as it continues to fight not only for its own sovereignty and democracy but for the fundamental principles of the free world," said Nadiia Shaporynska, President of the USUA, in a comment to Ukrinform.

She noted that parade spectators warmly welcomed the Ukrainian activists, as Ukraine and the United States share common values and a mutual respect for freedom.

Another group was organized by the United Help Ukraine together with other activists and diplomats from the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington. Participants carried a large banner thanking the United States, as well as Ukrainian and American flags and other national symbols.

In a video address before the march, Maryna Baidiuk, President and Executive Director of the United Help Ukraine, congratulated the United States on its national holiday while also reminding viewers that Russia continues to bomb Ukrainian cities.

"We are celebrating American independence, but we are also standing for American values here in the US and in Ukraine, fighting for independence, fighting for our freedom, fighting for the entire free democratic world," Maryna Baidiuk emphasized.

As Ukrinform previously reported, the Ukrainian-American community first joined the U.S. Independence Day parade in Washington in 2022. Such parades include invited bands and representatives of various communities.

Photos and video: US Ukrainian Activists / Facebook, Embassy of Ukraine in the USA / Facebook