Demonstrators in Modesto stand with Ukraine, call for worldwide pressure on Russia
Blue and yellow flags and sunflowers brightened downtown Modesto as residents gathered Wednesday afternoon to protest the ongoing war in Ukraine.
About 50 people gathered at the Five Points intersection for a vigil organized by the Modesto Peace/Life Center. Many wore blue and yellow to match Ukraine’s national colors, and some held signs condemning Russia’s invasion of the country. Many cars honked support as they drove by.
Ken Schroeder, a volunteer with the center, said it was important to show solidarity with the resistance efforts against Russia, especially because Modesto has a Ukrainian sister city.
“It’s just abominable the suffering and death being caused by the war, and it’s putting democracy at risk,” Schroeder said.
Russian troops invaded Ukraine in late February, resulting in global support for the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has faced near total condemnation for his choice to invade, and outrage continues as images of possible war crimes have surfaced.
If there’s enough worldwide pressure, Schroeder hopes Russia will withdraw and allow Ukraine to be the sovereign nation he thinks it deserves to be.
The resistance shown by the Ukrainian people in the meantime has been inspiring to Schroeder.
“I think that was a surprise to a lot of people,” Schroeder said.
Modesto resident Sue Siefkin said although she does not have Ukrainian blood, her ancestors once lived in Ukraine.
This is the first time in her almost 80 years of living that the retired Stanislaus County Superior Court judge felt strongly enough to speak out for a cause.
“I’ve never demonstrated before, but this got me,” Siefkin said.
For Bill Mensing, the Five Points intersection was a great way to show people living their everyday lives that there are atrocities happening around them.
“There are good people in America and Modesto,” Mensing said. “They need to be reminded at this minute, millions of people in Ukraine are suffering mightily and they can’t just drive home on a Wednesday afternoon with their dinner.”
Next weekend, Modesto’s State Theater will be showing the award-winning 2017 documentary “Breaking Point” about the 2014 war for democracy in Ukraine.
The film will show April 14-18 at various times, and tickets may be purchased online. Proceeds will go to the humanitarian organization Spirit of America to assist with war efforts.
This story was originally published April 7, 2022 at 11:05 AM.
