Bolton united to mark the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
A poignant ceremony was held in Victoria Square this morning.
A short service and the lighting of a candle took place in Victoria Square as crowds gathered to remember those who have lost their lives since the war began.
The ceremony - one of many taking place across the country - was organised by Bolton Council along with the Ukrainian community.
Those gathered included the Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Martyn Cox, Deputy Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas.
The Vicar of Bolton Reverend Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Diane Hawkins and members of the Bolton Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain were also in attendance.
Vicar of Bolton Reverend Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle led the service, he said: “Welcome to this service today which we mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
“A year ago it is true to say that many of us living in this country would not easily have recognised the Ukrainian flag, nor would we have recognised the Ukrainian national anthem when we heard it.
“For many of us we did not know the correct Ukrainian pronunciation and we would have struggled to have remembered the name of the Ukraine president even if we recognised him.
“But a year ago all of that changed, and so it is that we gather today to remember, to hope and to pray.”
Dr Bracegirdle read a prayer written by the Ukrainian Catholic Church, before a two minutes silence took place.
The Deputy Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas, lit a candle on behalf of the citizens of the borough.
There was also a moving Ukrainian Church Service led by a Ukrainian Priest, with the community coming together for an occasion that really reflected how much Bolton respected and stood side by side with the Ukrainian people.
Lord Lieutenant Diane Hawkins laid the first flowers, followed by Cllr Linda Thomas, and a representative from the Polish Council, flowers on behalf of the Bolton Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain were placed and Aris Matthaiou on behalf of the University of Bolton.
Bolton Cuba Band played the Ukraine national anthem.
Cllr Linda Thomas said: “I think it is very important that Bolton marks the anniversary, it is important to be done right across the nation.
“We started our friendship before the Russian invasion with a service on the cenotaph just as we were coming out of Covid for Chernobyl and we had a big celebration on the square for the 30th anniversary.
“It seems surreal really is happening to these wonderful people, and how brave they are being, so I think it is the least that we can do is to mark a year of them being invaded by a megalomaniac basically, somebody that wants to wreck the world.
"Just talking to people today, a lady has come out of Odessa and a lady has come out of Kyiv and are living here and are so touched by the fact that we have done this ceremony for them, it’s very humbling.”
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Martyn Cox, said: “It was poignant and moving ceremony which sent the clear message that the people of Bolton stand with Ukraine.
“Bolton is always willing to step up for those in need, and I am pleased we are able to do our part with events like this and through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended today to show their support and solidarity with our local Ukrainian community.”
Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn, Bolton Branch Chair of AUGB, said: “I think that it is important that we gather here today in the respect of the number of Ukrainians who have died unnecessarily because of one man’s mad insane plan.
“It is the suffering of all the Ukrainians that has happened in the last twelve months, 13,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly taken from Ukraine to be re-educated in Russia, twelve and a half million Ukrainians have been displaced, fourteen and a half million Ukrainians homeless.
“That’s why it is important.
“The event went very well, I must admit I was very emotional and I didn’t know how I’d get through what I did and its many thanks to everybody within the town hall, David Hayes, who was absolutely brilliant and he deserves all the thanks.
“It is sad in one respect but we have pulled together today and there is quite a number here and we really showed Bolton that we are a community of Bolton.”
Read more: Group gathers for peaceful protest in solidarity with Ukraine
Read more: Ukrainian women, children and men remembered in memorial service
Olena Bielieskova, a resident who is residing from Ukraine in Bolton, said: “It is very tragic in respect of how many people and young soldiers who have given their lives, women have given their lives and children.
“But at the same time we feel that we are on the road for victory and it is just sad that we have to come here today to remember those that have given their lives in defence of Ukraine.”
In a tweet earlier today, President Zelensky said 2023 will be Ukraine’s year of victory.
He said: “On February 24, millions of us made a choice.
“Not a white flag, but the blue and yellow one.
“Not fleeing, but facing.
“Resisting & fighting.
“It was a year of pain, sorrow, faith, and unity.
“And this year, we remained invincible.
“We know that 2023 will be the year of our victory!”
On Thursday evening, there was a small gathering outside the town hall steps to show solidarity with those suffering as a result of the invasion.
Bolton Town Hall was lit up in blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
Pictures by Henry Lisowski
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