Harford Memorial To Glow Blue And Yellow To Support Ukraine

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — The University of Maryland Medical System is illuminating buildings on each of its campuses this week to honor the people of Ukraine.

Among them is the University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace.

At sundown through Friday, the system will turn buildings blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

"The people of Ukraine have demonstrated incredible bravery and they deserve the support from organizations like ours that are committed to the health and safety of all people," said Dr. Mohan Suntha, president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System, in a statement.

"UMMS will always answer the call to support those in need," Suntha said, "and will stand united with all of those who fight against oppression in all its forms, near and far."

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, the Associated Press said 1 million people, or about 2 percent of the population of Ukraine, has left the country, including about 650,000 who went to neighboring Poland.

More than 2,000 Ukrainians have been killed in the attacks, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service, while Russia has reported nearly 500 of its troops have died as well, the Associated Press reported.

The University of Maryland Medical System is not alone in its show of solidarity.

The Concord Point Lighthouse is also bathed in light in a show of support with the Ukrainians.

Members of the Harford County Council expressed support for those under attack as well.

"Our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people," Harford County Council President Patrick Vincenti said at Tuesday's council meeting. "We would love to be able to do more for them as they fight for their independence and democracy. So we'll keep our eyes and ears open."

County Councilman Tony Giangiordano echoed the sentiment.

"My heart goes out to all the Ukrainian people," Giangiordano said at the March 1 council meeting. "I have some Ukrainian friends, and I've talked to them, and it's it's devastating.

"I wish we would step in," Giangiordano said, "but nobody wants to create a bigger war."

On Friday, a nuclear power plant in Ukraine was seized by the Russians, who launched a projectile at a training center there, killing three Ukrainian soldiers and wounding two others, according to the Associated Press, which reported the weapon did not hit any of the nuclear reactors.
Although the Ukrainian president has asked NATO to create a no-fly zone over its country, the organization would not, according to the Associated Press, since that would require shooting down Russian aircraft and could create a larger war in Europe.

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