Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 08/29/2025
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III and the Bergen County Board of Commissioners proudly hosted Bergen County's fourth annual Independence Day of Ukraine Celebration & Flag Raising Ceremony on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Piazza at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack.
The Independence Day of Ukraine is commemorated each August 24, in recognition of Ukraine’s declaration of independence from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
The program featured greetings from County officials, remarks from Editor-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Quarterly, Ihor Dlaboha, cultural performances, and the raising of the Ukrainian flag in honor of Ukraine’s independence and in solidarity with their ongoing struggle to preserve their sovereignty.
County Executive Tedesco issued remarks affirming the County’s continued support of the Ukrainian community here in Bergen County and around the world:
"Bergen County will always be by your side. We will continue to support the Ukrainian community in every way we can," said County Executive Tedesco. "We stand shoulder to shoulder with those who fight for justice, freedom, and a brighter future."
As part of the ceremony, County Executive Tedesco and the Board of Commissioners were honored to present Military Service Medals to two Ukrainian American servicemembers from Bergen County in recognition of their service to our country, as well as three wounded Ukrainian soldiers who fought on the frontlines in defense of Ukraine’s independence.
Bergen County Military Service Medal Recipients:
* James M. Fedorko, U.S. Army
* Zenon Halkowycz, U.S. Army
Ukrainian Military Service Medal Recipients:
* UAV Operator Junior Sergeant Serhii Yuschenko
* Donetsk Airport кіборг Serhii Marchuk
* Major Viktor Sichkar
Guests also enjoyed traditional Ukrainian performances by Maksym Lozynskyj, which highlighted Ukraine’s history of Resilience and Resistance.
Closing remarks were delivered by Bergen County Board of Commissioners Chair Pro Tempore, Dr. Joan Voss.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Variety Pack Volume 3: The Weirdest, Wildest, Most Unclassifiable Comedy Yet
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- As Philadelphia enters peak summer swamp season, Variety Pack once again offers audiences a cool, chaotic refuge from the heat with five days of genre-breaking live comedy, free popcorn, and yes, free air conditioning.
SOPAC presents Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much? on July 16th
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stewart Copeland brings his first American spoken-word tour (Have I Said Too Much?) to the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:30pm. Copeland is the founding drummer of The Police and one of rock's most inventive forces.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network’s most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour will visit Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
