Since Russia began its invasion of the Ukraine, multiple cities across North Texas have put up light displays in the colors of the Ukrainian flag to show their support.
Last week, dozens of cities around the world displayed blue and yellow lights in solidarity with Ukraine. The Dallas skyline was one of many lit up on February 24 after Russian President Vladimir Putin commanded his troops to invade.
https://twitter.com/HannaBattahFox4/status/1497024509894868993?s=20&t=NMFOnXM3pG6Cjp_mRxkoIA
Celina showed its support of the European nation by lighting its water tower in blue and yellow. The display appeared on February 26 and will stay up until March 5, according to CBS 11.
“So many Celina residents have expressed support for the Ukrainian people who are fighting to defend their freedom,” Celina City Manager Jason Laumer said. “Our desire is to show them and the world that this community supports them, and we assure them that we will be praying for their safety and a swift end to this conflict.”
Celina Water Tower | Image by City of Celina
Rowlett put up a similar display on its water tower on February 28. It will remain alight until March 4.
“In honor of the astonishing bravery of those defending their country, Ukraine, the City of Rowlett will keep the Downtown Water Tower lit the country’s flag colors until Friday night,” Rowlett City Council member Blake Margolis said on Facebook, where he also shared photos of the lights. “The world stands united against an inexcusable invasion of a sovereign nation. Glad I was able to help make this happen so that all of us can display our community’s support for the Ukrainian people.”
Rowlett Water Tower | Image by Blake Margolis
Denton County also showed support for Ukraine through a yellow and blue light display at the courthouse on February 28. Judge Andy Eads shared a picture of the display on Twitter.
“The Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square is illuminated in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag, as a show of support for the people of Ukraine,” Eads tweeted along with the photo.
The Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square is illuminated in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukranian flag, as a show of support for the people of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/RSHxdviUhr
— Andy Eads (@Andy_Eads) March 1, 2022
DFW residents have also mobilized locally to support Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Cultural Club in Dallas organized a caravan on February 25 that collected donations of medical supplies to help Ukrainian civilians.
North Texans also voiced their support in the form of rallies and protests.
On February 27, people from across the state showed up with signs to protest at the Tarrant County Courthouse, according to Fox 4 News. Many of those who showed up had personal connections to Ukraine.
Nataliia Hays told Fox that her family is sheltered underground in Ukraine and running out of food.
“All the support, we are asking the world to hear. Our families are there, and we can’t do nothing,” Hays said.
Alina Durham, who also has family members in Ukraine, worries about what will happen next in the country.
“Everything [Putin] has done is unpredictable,” she said. “I can’t say his further steps or what he is going to do, but I do know all these people here are supporting the innocent citizens of Ukraine.”