More than 40 community members turned out on Sunday, Feb. 23 in downtown Sequim to show their support for Ukraine’s defensive war. Drivers exhibited their approval with a steady cacophony of honks.

Participants said they wanted to make a public showing because “there’s a lot of people in our country that are being misinformed about what’s going on out there,” said Bill Bellows.

Debbie Fredson said she thinks “that we need to unite, connect and organize,” echoing the crowd’s sentiments that people should get together to discuss and debate issues that are affecting the country and world.

A small group of local Ukrainians at the rally expressed their sadness at the situation but “this is heart warming,” said Oksana Ostrovsky, a Sequim resident for 30 years, of the demonstration.

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/ Local Ukrainians were among those who demonstrated on Sunday in support of the country, which was attacked by Russia three years ago.

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/ Demonstraters turned out to show their support for Ukrainians fighting a defensive war against Russia.

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/ About 40 people attended the pro-Ukraine gathering on Sunday.

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/ About 40 people attended the pro-Ukraine gathering on Sunday.