HOUGHTON -- Yoopers for Ukraine, a local group promoting activities in the U.P. to support Ukraine, held an emergency Rally for Ukraine on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Houghton. Their new banner announced, "Support Ukraine Above Politics," a message to voters to contact legislators who have been unable to agree on US funding for Ukraine.
According to organizer Nadija Packauskas, a co-founder of Yoopers for Ukraine, it is crucial that Congress vote to extend the aid to Ukraine before their session ends for the holiday break. The House of Representatives is scheduled to remain in session only until Dec. 14 and the Senate until Dec. 15, 2023.
Here is an excerpt from Nadija's explanation of this situation:
During an emergency Rally for Ukraine on Dec. 7, 2023, in Houghton, Nadija Packauskas of Yoopers for Ukraine speaks about the importance of contacting legislators on the urgency of voting for funding to support Ukraine. (Video by Keweenaw Now)*The following poster summarizes the steps citizens can take to contact legislators as soon as possible to request that they vote to support funding for Ukraine before the present funding period expires:
Hancock resident Miriam Pickens, who has participated in a number of Yoopers for Ukraine events and activities, told Keweenaw Now why she attended the Rally.
"I attended the Rally for Ukraine because I want people to know that we will continue to support the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russia," Pickens said. "I admire Nadija’s passion and perseverance, and I feel privileged to stand with her."
Bill Binroth, whose community activities include serving free meals for senior citizens and others, has been participating recently in the weekly Walks for Ukraine on the Portage Lift Bridge and joined the Rally to show his support. Here he tells Keweenaw Now why he considers support for Ukraine important:
Beth and Tom Maki of Lake Linden often join the weekly Walks for Ukraine and were present at the Rally as well. Their son, Matt, is a teacher in Ukraine who has stayed there in spite of the war, helping students in the region who wish to study in the US.
John Loosemore of Hancock, a US Army veteran -- who has participated in almost all of the Walks for Ukraine on the Portage Lift Bridge and in other activities sponsored by Yoopers for Ukraine, usually bringing his three children -- told Keweenaw Now why it was important for him to attend the Rally.
"It was important to me to attend the rally because I'm really shocked and disappointed by what is going on in Washington," Loosemore said. "As I see it, the Republican Party is playing political games that encourage Putin to hold on tighter and fight harder, which is causing more Ukrainians to die every day. Ultimately it will make the conflict longer and more destructive. It is no exaggeration to say that the Republicans are giving aid and comfort to the enemy -- and I say that as a pretty conservative person. I've voted for Republicans a lot in the past."
Nadija thanked the participants at the Rally for coming out on a cold, windy day on short notice and reminded them of the importance of calling Senators and Representatives on both sides of the aisle, since this is a bi-partisan issue, to ask them to vote for aid to Ukraine before they leave for the holiday break this coming week. You can call any time of the day or night and talk to a staff member or even leave a message. See the poster above or visit #Call4Ukraine for details.
Rallies like the one in Houghton are being held across the country to call attention to the need for funding for Ukraine at this crucial time. Visit Yoopers for Ukraine on Facebook for more information.
The weekly Walk for Ukraine on the Portage Lift Bridge is now being held at 3 p.m. on Sundays through the winter.
