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Cranford proclaims Aug. 25 as Ukrainian Independence Day; local volunteer thanks committee
Summary
Mayor Terrence Curran issued a proclamation recognizing Ukrainian Independence Day and condemning Russia's war; local volunteer Dimitri Zakalavko thanked the township and described long-term volunteer and advocacy work for Ukraine.
Mayor Terrence Curran read a proclamation designating Aug. 25, 2025, as Ukrainian Independence Day in Cranford and condemned “Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine.” Curran praised the local Ukrainian-American community and cited Ukraine’s 1991 referendum that affirmed independence.
Dimitri Zakalavko, who the mayor invited to speak, thanked the committee and said he has volunteered for Ukraine since 2014 and participated in advocacy in Washington, D.C. “The United States has stood a long time with Ukraine … the democracy, liberty, and freedom,” Zakalavko said, calling Cranford’s community support “very strong.”
The proclamation traces Ukraine’s history and the township’s intent to honor Ukrainian Americans’ contributions to the local community. The committee did not take a separate vote on the proclamation; it was presented as a mayoral proclamation during the meeting’s opening remarks. The mayor called on residents to join in commemorations and remember the “heroes who sacrificed their lives to ensure freedom.”
No further administrative actions were recorded tied specifically to the proclamation; it formed part of the meeting’s ceremonial opening and community recognition items.
