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”