WEST SEATTLE – The Alki waterfront became a place of reflection, pride, and solidarity on Saturday as community members gathered to commemorate Ukrainian Independence Day. The day’s events began with a morning rally at the Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza and were followed by a beach picnic that lasted into the evening.
Rally at a Historic Landmark
The rally began at 10:30 a.m. at the plaza, where participants waved Ukrainian flags, held signs of support, and listened to speakers share words about resilience, freedom, and cultural pride.
The choice of location was deeply intentional. The Alki Statue of Liberty, originally installed in 1952, was placed there by the Boy Scouts of America as part of their “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty” campaign. That effort, launched in 1949 to mark the Scouts’ 40th anniversary, came at the height of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The symbolism of liberty and resistance to oppression resonated strongly with the themes of the day’s gathering.
In 2008, the plaza was rededicated as the statue’s permanent home after it was recast and returned to its pedestal in 2007. Today, it continues to serve as a local landmark and a fitting site for events highlighting freedom and democracy.
A Community of Support
Those in attendance at Saturday’s rally expressed both their pride in Ukrainian culture and their ongoing concern for the country’s struggle amid war and occupation. Organizers encouraged the crowd to remain hopeful and united, reminding attendees that showing up in community spaces helps keep awareness alive.
For many, the event was not only about honoring Ukraine’s independence but also about reaffirming solidarity with family and friends directly impacted by the ongoing conflict overseas.
From Rally to Celebration
Following the rally, the day’s events shifted into a more relaxed tone with a community picnic on Alki Beach. Attendees gathered with food, blankets, and music, creating a welcoming space for both longtime residents and new supporters. Organizers emphasized that the beach gathering was open to all, reflecting a spirit of inclusivity and friendship.
Children played near the shoreline, families shared homemade dishes, and supporters mingled as Ukrainian flags fluttered in the breeze. The beach picnic was scheduled to continue until sunset, turning the day into both a commemoration and a celebration.
A Day of Reflection and Hope
The Ukrainian Independence Day events at Alki offered participants a moment to pause and reflect on the importance of freedom and resilience in the face of adversity. The symbolic setting of the Statue of Liberty Plaza, paired with the warm community atmosphere of the beach, reinforced the values of unity and hope that the day was meant to embody.
For those in attendance, the rally and picnic served as a reminder that even far from home, the spirit of Ukraine’s independence remains strong.
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