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A Special Moment

At 6 p.m., on Tuesday, March 8, the 13th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Branford residents filled the front steps of the James Blackstone Memorial Library in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Thanks go to Library Director Karen Jensen and the Board of Trustees for providing this iconic location.

The library was lit up in blue and yellow and many attendees dressed in the Ukrainian national colors. Ukrainian flags were waved and blue and yellow banners were everywhere. Truly, it was a tremendous show of support for Ukraine and its people.

Judith Liebmann spoke of the bravery of the Ukrainian people and all those who resist in the face of tyranny. She read her poem that echoes the words recently repeated by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, “We are here.” This rallying cry’s origins go back to the resistance during World War II. A young Ukrainian woman tearfully spoke and thanked Branford residents for showing their support for Ukraine. At the end of the ceremony, the crowd chanted, “We are here.”

Thanks go to Wanda Bubriski, Sally Bahner, Tracy Everson, Susan Dahill, and all who contributed to this wonderful show of support for the people of Ukraine. This was a special moment.

Tom Brockett

Branford