"Freedom is priceless.
Freedom is worth fighting for."
Said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, "for as long as it takes."
Video by Christian Jadot
Photos and story by Amanda H. Johnson
California National Guard Public Affairs
Feb. 24, 2023
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Dark clouds poured rain upon the marble steps of the state capitol of California. Technical assistants dart back and forth from speakers, monitors, and cameras as spectators set up tents to block the rain as the rally for Ukraine begins.
One year ago, these same steps of the capitol hosted a similar crowd protesting an incredulous event; the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The blue and yellow flag of Ukraine flowed through the promenade in front of the rotunda. Today, 365 days since Russian’s invasion, the Ukrainian American House hosted a one year of Bravery commemoration rally as Ukraine continues its fight against Russia.
“It’s truly a grim milestone,” said acting California National Guard Adjutant General, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers. “But we also reaffirm our state and nation’s commitment to Ukraine.”
One year ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine attempting to overthrow the democratically elected government of Kyiv, the capitol of Ukraine, described Beevers.
During that time, the California National Guard has been assisting their state partnership program country of 30 years in every way possible.
“We were far ahead of other U.S. Government agencies standing up our Ukraine Fusion Cell,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fritz Roggow, director of state personnel at Joint Forces Headquarters. “Decades of trust and relationship building from our top leadership to the Ukrainian counterparts ensured success.”
The UFC was stood up in California within 24 hours of Russia’s crossing into Ukraine. It’s purpose was to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine with equipment and any other requested aid.
Due in large part to the 30 year state partnership program between the California National Guard and Ukraine, communication and request for military aid flowed seamlessly. By July 2022, more than 17 tons of body armor/helmets, nine tons of medical supplies and 11 tons of firefighting equipment, and humanitarian aid were sent.
Between NATO partners and CNG, supplemental Ukrainian combat formations were trained, and the development of a professional noncommissioned officer corps was established, said Beevers.
“Putin launched his invasion because he thought Ukraine was weak. He launched his invasion because he thought the west was divided, and he launched because he thought he could outlast us.”
"He was wrong."
“Putin launched his invasion because he thought Ukraine was weak. He launched his invasion because he thought the west was divided, and he launched because he thought he could outlast us,” Beevers said. “He was wrong.”
Ukraine has a proud history that dates back before the Bronze Age. From the rebellion of the Cossacks against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in January 1654 to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, this country has endured and overcome.
Like the United States with their war for independence in 1776, Ukraine experienced similar growing pains after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Their struggle for a true democratic government was not solidified until 2014 during the Revolution of Dignity when President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia following several months of protests.
“Our shared values of sovereignty and freedom will preserver. The United States and Europe and the rest of the free world have recently risen to the challenge to enable Ukraine to fight and win,” said Beevers.
50 million plus in lethal aid has been delivered to Ukraine. The citizens of California have donated millions and millions of dollars in humanitarian and non-lethal assistance.
“Ukrainians remind the world every single day that freedom is priceless,” said Beevers. “Freedom is worth fighting for. For as long as it takes, the people of this great state and the United States will stand with the people of Ukraine… for as long as it takes.”
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, the acting Adjutant General of the California National Guard addresses rally attendees in support of Ukraine in Sacramento, California, Feb. 24, 2023.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, the acting Adjutant General of the California National Guard addresses rally attendees in support of Ukraine in Sacramento, California, Feb. 24, 2023.
“Our shared values of sovereignty and freedom will preserver. The United States and Europe and the rest of the free world have recently risen to the challenge to enable Ukraine to fight and win."
Rally attendees show support for Ukraine on the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine's sovereign border in Sacramento, California, Feb. 24, 2023.
Rally attendees show support for Ukraine on the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine's sovereign border in Sacramento, California, Feb. 24, 2023.
A double-amputee Ukrainian soldier presents a Ukrainian flag signed by fellow Ukrainian soldiers to Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, acting Adjutant General of the California National Guard, in Sacramento, California, Feb. 24, 3023.
A double-amputee Ukrainian soldier presents a Ukrainian flag signed by fellow Ukrainian soldiers to Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, acting Adjutant General of the California National Guard, in Sacramento, California, Feb. 24, 3023.
A double-amputee Ukrainian soldier speaks to the rally attendees about his experience in the war in Ukraine, in Sacramento, California, Feb. 24, 3023.
A double-amputee Ukrainian soldier speaks to the rally attendees about his experience in the war in Ukraine, in Sacramento, California, Feb. 24, 3023.
A double-amputee Ukrainian soldier presents a Ukrainian flag signed by fellow Ukrainian soldiers to Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, acting Adjutant General of the California National Guard, in Sacramento, California, Feb. 24, 3023.
A double-amputee Ukrainian soldier presents a Ukrainian flag signed by fellow Ukrainian soldiers to Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, acting Adjutant General of the California National Guard, in Sacramento, California, Feb. 24, 3023.
Built with Shorthand