The Ukrainian and Canadian flags were raised together Thursday in downtown Orillia.
Mayor Steve Clarke read a proclamation declaring this “a time for reflection and to support Ukraine in the City of Orillia.”
He then hoisted the flags outside the Orillia Opera House.
“To stand here and see the Canadian flag and the Ukrainian flag flying together is very meaningful and very symbolic,” he said.
It’s a small but important gesture, he added, showing the city’s support for the country that has been invaded by Russia, which has led to the displacement of more than two million people.
“It’s important for everybody to do something about this right now. We need to not just have them in our thoughts and prayers, but we need to reach out to organizations that can be helpful,” Clarke said.
“We need to donate where we can and we need to put whatever pressure we can on those that can influence a withdrawal of Russia from Ukraine. Hopefully, the more little commemorations that take place, like this, will add to that pressure and that momentum.”
The effects of Russia’s war on Ukraine are felt by many in Canada, given the large Ukrainian Canadian population, and the matter is close to Clarke’s family. His son’s girlfriend is Ukrainian Canadian and has friends and family still in the European nation.
“As horrific as it is for anybody who understands what’s going on over there, it’s certainly even harder on those people who are trying to maintain connections and reach out and help any way they can,” Clarke said.
He hopes the sight of the Ukrainian and Canadian flags together downtown will prompt reflection among passersby.
“We’ve got problems here that we have to take care of within the city, the province and our country,” he said, “but when you see what’s happening in Ukraine and some of the horrific scenes we witness on a daily basis, it helps put things in perspective.”
