UANM

New Mexico Governor Proclaims August 24, 2025, as Ukrainian Independence Day

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Ukrainian Independence Day New Mexico Proclamation

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed a proclamation declaring August 24, 2025, as Ukrainian Independence Day in the State of New Mexico.

We extend our gratitude to the Governor’s Office and to all friends of Ukraine in New Mexico for their support and for honoring the Ukrainian people’s dedication to the values of freedom and democracy.

Special thanks to the Consulate General of Ukraine in Houston for their efforts in strengthening 🇺🇦🇺🇸 cooperation!

Proclamation

WHEREAS, after the breakup of the Soviet Union, the Parliament of Ukraine formally declared an independent Ukrainian state on August 24, 1991, which was then upheld by over 90 percent of its citizens, joined by the majority of the residents of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, in a free and unhindered national referendum; and

WHEREAS, January 22nd was the anniversary of independent Ukrainian statehood proclaimed by the Ukrainian Central Rada in 1918; and

WHEREAS, for more than three and a half years since the unprovoked full-scale invasion launched by the Russian Federation on February 24, 2022, Ukraine has bravely defended its independence, sovereignty, and democratic values in the face of relentless aggression that has caused immense human suffering, widespread displacement, and the destruction infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, despite the ongoing war, hardship, and repeated attacks, the Ukrainian people have demonstrated remarkable resilience and an unwavering commitment to freedom, democracy, and partnership with the international community, including their aspirations for membership in the European Union and NATO; and

WHEREAS, Ukrainian American citizens of New Mexico have brought and shared their innovative spirit, rich culture and heritage and determined work ethic in education, science, arts, and business to our state and have fought and sacrificed in every branch of our nation’s armed forces in many theaters throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, the occasion of Ukrainian Independence Day honors the value of the freedoms we enjoy and hold dear as New Mexicans, causing us to recognize the fight of Ukrainian people for their independence, freedom, and peace based on rule of law and democratic values.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico, do hereby proclaim August 24, 2025 as:

“Ukrainian Independence Day“

New Mexico Proclaims Ukrainian Genocide Remembrance Week

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The State of New Mexico has formally recognized the Holodomor—the man-made famine of 1932–1933—as a genocide against the Ukrainian people. In a proclamation signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on September 28, 2022, the state designated November 20–26, 2022, as Ukrainian Genocide Remembrance Week.

The document details the horrific scale of the Holodomor, describing how millions of Ukrainians, including countless children, perished as a result of a deliberate famine engineered by the Soviet regime under Joseph Stalin. It acknowledges historical evidence, including archival KGB documents, showing the intent to destroy Ukraine’s national identity through starvation, repression, and persecution of cultural, religious, and intellectual leaders.

By issuing this proclamation, New Mexico joins the global initiative “Ukraine Remembers, the World Acknowledges,” honoring the victims of the Holodomor and raising awareness to help prevent such atrocities from ever happening again. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver attested the proclamation, reinforcing the state’s commitment to remembrance and historical truth.

Ukrainian Independence Day 2022 Proclamation

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The State of New Mexico officially recognized August 24, 2022, as Ukrainian Independence Day, honoring the resilience, history, and contributions of Ukrainians and Ukrainian Americans. In a proclamation signed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the document highlights Ukraine’s path to independence—from the 1991 declaration upheld by a national referendum to the early roots of statehood proclaimed in 1918. It also emphasizes the unwavering commitment of Ukrainians to democratic values, even in the face of hardship, famine, and foreign aggression.

The proclamation notes the meaningful impact Ukrainian Americans have made in New Mexico through their culture, innovation, and dedication across education, science, arts, business, and military service. By designating Ukrainian Independence Day, the state expresses solidarity with the global Ukrainian community and reminds New Mexicans of the freedoms they cherish. The proclamation was attested by Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver and stands as a symbol of support during a historically significant and challenging time for Ukraine.