Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman
August 28, 2022 | Press Releases
PARMA, OH – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) was in Parma, Ohio, to serve as the Grand Marshal for the 11th annual Ukrainian Independence Day Parade, celebrating the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. Portman also provided remarks at the post-parade program and Naturalization Ceremony.
“I am honored to have served as the Grand Marshal of the Ukrainian Independence Day parade, celebrating 31 years of independence. It was great to see my friends from the Ukrainian American community in Parma and to see all those celebrating the important day,” said Portman. “Unfortunately, Ukraine’s independence has never been more threatened than it is right now. Russia’s ongoing brutal and unprovoked assault continues to cause destruction and devastation throughout Ukraine. It is more important than ever to do everything in our power to help our ally Ukraine – I continue to work closely with other members of Congress, the administration, our allies and partners in Ukraine and in the region, to ensure the speedy delivery of military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine so that they may finally defeat their Russian aggressors.”
As co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Portman has met numerous times with Ukrainian officials, gone to Ukraine seven times, and has been a staunch ally in their defense of their homeland and democracy. A consistent voice for Ukraine, including speaking consistently on the Senate floor since before the Russian invasion began, the administration has heeded bipartisan calls led by Portman for sanctions on trade, banking, energy, and tax, in addition to more lethal weaponry. Senator Portman continues his support for Ukraine as media coverage has fallen, and has commended allies for their continued support.
Earlier this year, Senator Portman attended a prayer service and rally for Ukraine in Parma, where he commended Ohio’s Ukrainian community for leading efforts to support the people of Ukraine during the invasion, while also coordinating humanitarian aid for those fleeing the violence. He also attended a rally in Washington, D.C., where he spoke in support of Ukraine, calling on Congress and the Biden administration to do more to help Ukraine defend itself by sending more weapons; cutting off President Putin’s funding for his war effort by not buying Russian oil; and, removing all Russian banks from their access to the international banking system.
Photos of today’s parade can be found below:
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