August 24, 2026
WHEREAS, on August 24, 1991, the Parliament of Ukraine formally declared an independent, sovereign, and democratic Ukrainian state, establishing the territorial integrity of Ukraine as sovereign and inviolable, further upheld by an overwhelming majority of Ukrainians in a national referendum in December of that same year; and,
WHEREAS, for centuries, the people of Ukraine sought and struggled to achieve an independent state all the while preserving their culture, language, and self-identity; and,
WHEREAS, Ukraine has shown resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to freedom and democracy throughout its history; and,
WHEREAS, the territorial integrity of Ukraine is sovereign and inviolable, and portions of Ukraine’s territory are currently under Russian military occupation in contravention of international law; we honor the efforts and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to stave off further Russian military advances in Ukraine, and their readiness to defend the entire European continent and its United States allies against further aggressive actions of the Kremlin; and,
WHEREAS, it is imperative to recognize the ongoing struggles faced by the people of Ukraine, as Russia has prosecuted a war against Ukraine for over eleven years, resulting in immense human suffering, loss of life, and displacement of innocent civilians; and,
WHEREAS, the Ukrainian community in Michigan serves as a vibrant thread in the tapestry of our diverse population, enriching our state with their traditions, language, music, dance, and culinary heritage; with which they share values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law; and,
WHEREAS, it is crucial to promote awareness and understanding of Ukraine's struggles and achievements, fostering a spirit of solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of peace, justice, and self-determination; and,
WHEREAS, Ukraine has always had a special bond with the United States, with an over 20-year working relationship on U.S-NATO deployments, with Ukraine sending servicemen and women to serve alongside U.S. forces in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim August 24, 2026, as Ukrainian Independence Day and urge all citizens to join in commemorating this important anniversary and celebrate the invaluable contributions of the Ukrainian-American community to our great state. On this day, let us recommit ourselves to helping the Ukrainian nation reclaim full sovereignty over its international borders and remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives to ensure freedom and happiness for future generations.
