Bayonne will hold a candlelight vigil for Ukraine on Thursday, March 3, at 6 p.m., in front of City Hall at 630 Avenue C, Mayor James Davis has announced.
The gathering comes after nearly a week since the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine at the direction of its president, Vladimir Putin.
“This event will give the people of Bayonne the opportunity to show their support for the people of Ukraine,” Davis said. “We are proud to stand with Ukraine as it fights for freedom and democracy. We welcome our residents to join with us at this special event.”
Davis had previously condemned the invasion when it first began on Feb. 24. Bayonne is home to a sizable Ukrainian population, with New Jersey being home to the fourth largest Ukrainian population in the country.
“The City of Bayonne joins with freedom-loving people around the world in condemning Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine,” Davis said. “The people of Ukraine have a sovereign nation with a democratically elected government. Ukraine should be allowed to determine its own destiny without Russian interference. We stand by the Ukrainian people at this time of crisis.”
Last week, a Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bayonne, Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church held a prayer gathering to recite the rosary after the war broke out. Residents continue to rally around Ukraine, much like in nearby Jersey City.
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