Defending Freedom: Lessons from 33 Years of Sovereign Ukraine

Hon. Orest Jejna moderating Q&A session. From left to right: Orest Jejna, Olya Johnson, Irene Amrine and Dr. Tom Rusing. Photos by Cindy Brower and Terri New.

On behalf of Cactus and Tryzub, we'd like to give a shoutout to Prescott community for standing with Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion, residents of Prescott have been supporting various community events through meaningful fundraising and participation in clothing drives. Recently, Prescott Public Library hosted an event honoring Ukraine Independence Day titled "Defending Freedom. Lessons from 33 years from Sovereign Ukraine". The event featured a mini cultural expo and a silent auction. While enjoying donated refreshments, our guests had an opportunity to hear about local doctor's volunteer experience in Ukraine, historical and modern-day perspectives on Ukraine's fight for independence, and how russian propaganda threatens new and established democracies around the world. The event concluded with a moderated Q&A session led by judge Orest Jejna of Scottsdale, AZ. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our guests, we also raised $488 for Dignitas Fund that day. Thank you Prescott! We would like to acknowledge and thank three very special ladies, Jo Berger, Cindy Brower and Terri New, who were our boots on the ground and helped organize this event. Together they helped secure the venue, refreshments, donations for the silent auction and provided overall support the day of the event.