John Cherwonogrodzky speaks to his brother over phone about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and reflects on their previous travels throughout the country. Cherwonogrodzky is pictured wearing a hat gifted to him by a Ukrainian fireman following a visit to the Chernobyl memorial. -- SUBMITTED PHOTO Karen-Anne Cherwonogrodzky
kking@medicinehatnews.com
As the world watches continued death, devastation and division following the Feb. 24 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Hatters react with concern and messages of support.
John Cherwonogrodzky, a long-time resident of Medicine Hat, is a first-generation Ukrainian-Canadian who grew up in a Ukrainian community. While much of Cherwonogrodzky’s family resides in Canada, he still knows many relatives and friends in Ukraine.
“For me, it hurts,” Cherwonogrodzky told the News. “The people (of Ukraine are) just the salt of the Earth; they’re heartwarming and just remarkable.”
Since the invasion began, Cherwonogrodzky has been attentively listening to news coming out of the country. While he is amazed by the spirit of the Ukrainian people, he fears for their safety and worries about what conditions they may be forced to endure. Cherwonogrodzky admits he and his wife Karen-Anne have been frequently praying for the people in Ukraine.
“The help comes in all sorts of different ways,” Cherwonogrodzky said. “The whole (population) is very religious. People might say, ‘They’re over there so I’m not going to bother doing anything, but if you pray, because they’re religious, just knowing someone is praying for them, it really gives them a boost. It’s remarkable how much it does,” he said.
Cherwonogrodzky hopes others, both locally, and around the world, will pay attention to news from Ukraine and offer support in whatever capacity they can.
“I think they should pay attention to Ukraine for a few reasons,” said Cherwonogrodzky. “One, is to be aware of what is happening in other places (as) there could be ripple effects… But also, it’s an opportunity to join the human race and connect with some people who need help… This is an opportunity to become part of the human endeavour and the human struggle… and it’s an opportunity to care.”
Karen-Anne pointed out the importance of not only caring for the people of Ukraine, but those affected in Russia, as well as neighbouring countries and the world.
“It’s hard for the Russian people too,” she told the News. “A lot of them are demonstrating they don’t want to be at war.”
City councillor Robert Dumanowski, whose family hails from neighbouring Poland, is concerned about the conflict and its long-term impacts on the global community.
“It’s sad, what’s going on, and confusing,” Dumanowski told the News. “The whole world is involved in it.”
“Because our family immigrated from Poland – right next door (to Ukraine) – you worry because you never know. Poland has been the target of the First and Second World Wars (and) my parents suffered because of it. I know the real-life impacts of what happens to those people so I think the world sympathizes with them.”
Messages of sympathy and solidarity have been growing across the world, including Medicine Hat. The City of Medicine Hat announced Monday it would be lighting the Saamis Tepee in blue and gold – the colors of Ukraine’s flag – effective immediately, as a show of support.
“The City of Medicine Hat joins the Government of Canada, Province of Alberta, municipal governments across the globe and the broader international community in our collective respect for sovereignty and support of the Ukrainian people,” acting city manager Rachelle Pancoast said in a press release Monday.
Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark also voiced her support for Ukraine.
“The City of Medicine Hat stands in solidarity with the many people in our community of Ukrainian descent and the people of Ukraine as they defend their home and endure this unnecessary and tragic violence,” she said in a statement. “I can’t imagine the distress and worry our Ukrainian-Canadian neighbours and Ukrainians around the world must be feeling for their relatives and friends as the news of their homeland being invaded continues to develop.”
