Flying the Flag for Ukraine is something we had never foreseen – why is our tattered flag still flying?
Shortly after the horrendous invasion of Ukraine began on the 20th of February 2022 we errected our flag pole at Altonsyde. We had a flag pole at our previous home in Melvaig and knew this was something we wanted to have at our new home. We have a small collection of flag which we liked to fly on certain days although in Melvaig, Wester Ross, we often had to take the entire flag pole down due to the regular 90mph winds.
Shortly after we got the flag pole at Altonsyde cemented into the garden, Ukraine was invaded. There was an outpouring of support of the Ukrainian people and injustice of having their country attacked and invaded.
Do you remember how we all sat gripped in front of the television screens every morning to see what was happening in Ukraine?
How far had the Russians entered the country?
Would bombs also hit Poland, a NATO country?
Would this be the third world war?
It is nearly a year that the country has been fighting for its survival. Nairn has welcomed many Ukrainian families into their homes and lifes. I didn’t know that flying the Ukrainian flag would have a direct impact on these refugees in our own town but it did. I was introduced to some of our first refugees way back in the summer, and I was introduced to them ‘as the lady who has you Flag in her garden’. On arrival in Nairn, this family had been comforted by this small act of solidarity with them and their country.
Now, one year later, our Ukrainina Flag has, for me, become a symbol. Our flag has been battered over the last year, winds, rain, snow, sleet and time. Our Ukrainian Flag, is half it’s original size. Imagine this is one small flag, in the relatively benign climate of Scotland’s Sunshine Coast and yet our flag is a virtual scrap. Now think about Ukraine. Reduced to rubble!
I could replace the flag, but for me it is a symbol and a reminder of just how bad the people and the country of Ukraine, continue to and have suffered. It is a symbol of solidarity and a poignant reminder of devastation
