(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.
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