Ukrainian Sister City Sends Video
Last month, the city of Lexington received a special video message from its sister city, Chortkiv, Ukraine, in celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday. In the video, Chortkiv’s Mayor, Volodymyr Shmatko called the anniversary “a big milestone.”
“This day once again reminds the whole world that freedom is not just a right,” he said. “It is a value that we choose and protect together.”
He also noted that there are many things that Ukraine and the United States share, from the many Ukrainian citizens who also call the United States home to “a shared belief in democracy.”
“But today our friendship is more than just words,” he continued. “It’s about real action. Your support, solidarity and love for freedom inspire us and give us strength during these difficult times. Thank you for being our partners and standing with us in the fight for a free world.”
The video also included a message from several students at the Roman Iliashenko Chortkiv Academic Lyceum (high school) who sent “our best wishes from Ukraine to all our amazing American friends.”
“Today, we join you in celebrating the spirit of freedom and independence that has shaped your nation throughout its history,” one student said. “Independence Day is a powerful reminder about liberty, unity and democratic values, principles that mean so much for all of us today.”
“On this special holiday, we hope your celebrations are filled with laughter, unity, and pride in your nation’s remarkable journey,” said another student. “May the future bring even more shared achievements and inspiring moments for our communities. May your celebrations be filled with happiness, family gatherings and memorable moments.”
Along with the video, the Chortkiv City Council sent “deepest condolences” for the community on the death of Mayor Frank Friedman.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues, and the entire Lexington community during this difficult time,” they wrote.
The full video message can be found on The News-Gazette’s website. Among the many gifts that Shmatko received during his visit to Lexington earlier this year – when he and Mayor Frank Friedman formalized a sister city relationship between Chortkiv and Lexington – were three books which are now on display in the Chortkiv Public Library.
The books are each primarily comprised of photos and images that capture the natural beauty and historic architecture of Lexington and Rockbridge County. They are: Bruce and Jennifer Young’s “Rockbridge: A Photographic Essay,” Royster Lyle and Pam Simpson’s “The Architecture of Historic Lexington,” and Dan Pezzoni’s “The Architecture of Historic Rockbridge.” The architectural histories were a gift to Chortkiv from the Historic Lexington Foundation.
In addition to the books, Shmatko was also gifted a House Mountain fossil by local author and historian Sarah Clayton. The fossil, from the approximately 450 million year old Ordovician-period strata, has remains of shell-like brachiopods. The fossil is displayed in Chortkiv’s Museum of Local Self-Government exhibit.
The display of gifts from Lexington and Rockbridge County and the messages of greetings and condolences put into practice the sentiment of active cultural exchange that was very much a prevalent theme at the signing ceremony in February to formalize the sister city relationship between Lexington and Chortkiv.
“It’s very important for this partnership to not only be ceremonial, but also actively cooperative for both cities, especially between our schools, between our kids [and] between our hospitals,” Shmatko told The News-Gazette after the February ceremony. “I’m certain that Chortkiv and Lexington will change as time goes on, but it is important for the partnership to keep going forward.”
