Ukrainian Americans assemble at the Ukrainian Seventh Day Adventist Church before a parade in gratitude for American support in the war against Russian invasion.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Celebrations for the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence on Aug. 24 culminated in a 30-mile, horn-honking convoy through Carmichael, Arden Arcade, Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks.

The Sunflower Society of Sacramento spearheaded the parade.

Church and society members hit the road in solidarity.

Twenty vehicles bore painted sunflowers, Ukraine flags and the Stars and Stripes. Slogans blessed Ukrainian resistance to invasion and thanked American supporters. In a blaze of blue and yellow, the convoy crept from North Avenue to merge with Fair Oaks Boulevard traffic.

Horns began honking immediately. The cacophony continued enroute, until parade vehicles returned to the church more than an hour later. 

Parade co-organizer Olga Noshyn decorates her car with sunflowers, slogans and blessings for Ukraine's American sympathizers.

“We felt so happy to see lots of people still supporting Ukraine," said Sunflower Society of Sacramento co-organizer Olga Noshyn.

“A Ukraine war veteran and his young son were with us,” Noshyn said. “They were happy so many people honked to greet us. When heroes who have sacrificed so much in this war see strangers who support them, this gives them hope.”

The Sunflower Society of Sacramento and Carmichael’s Ukrainian Seventh Day Adventist Church, whose members fundraise for medical needs at Ukraine frontlines, on Aug. 23 co-hosted flag day celebrations.

Sunflower Society of Sacramento volunteers focus on maintaining American awareness of the Ukraine situation. Members also participate in American Red Cross blood drives. Learn about the organization on Instagram at Sunflower.society.sac.