Joan and I attended yesterday’s flag day services at nearby St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. The service and following community luncheon preceded the country’s Independence Day celebration today.
A lunch was shared for the entire community. Here is a picture of several persons at our table.
The double arm amputee who also has one leg was wounded in 2023. His name is Alexander. He is 46 and joined the Ukrainian military in 2019. His wife to his right has her hand on his knee. They have two children living in Ukraine.
He was wounded when up to two dozen Russian drone grenades were dropped on his position. During his triage evacuation and subsequent surgeries, his heart stopped twice once for almost 40 minutes.
He came to the US for prosthetics and other recovery surgeries and followup exercises for new life skills. His wife has been with him all along. She feeds him and is his primary care giver.
Neither speak English. The US translator next to him is a US Army officer who has served ten years on active duty and speaks five languages.
Alexander’s temporary immigration status for additional care was denied. He leaves Walter Reed hospital in September. The church community gave him a monetary gift to help with the transfer home.
A Departing Smile
This couple’s example of courage, perseverance and gratitude for their US community’s embrace is an example for citizens of every society that seeks democratic rule.
Ukraine’s future is in good hands, even when hands are missing, because the heart still paces and hope endures.
This couple’s sacrifice is a witness to the best that individuals can offer society. This is why Ukraine still stands strong and free this Independence Day after four and one half years fighting Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine’s independence was first celebrated when Alexander was 11 years old. He could have no idea the commitment he would be asked to make for that freedom to endure.
His smile is his hope for the future. A tribute to his country and an example of what some give for all who want to live in freedom.
