Bury St Edmunds Ukrainian community marks three years since Russian invasion with Alder tree and memorial plate

Bury St Edmunds’ Ukrainian community came together today to mark three years since the Russian invasion.

From 11am, refugees, supporters and dignitaries gathered outside The Corn Exchange Wetherspoons.

From there, the procession marched down Abbeygate Street to Angel Hill before heading into Abbey Gardens at noon.

There, they unveiled a memorial plate and Alder tree planted to commemorate those lost fighting for Ukraine’s freedom.

Speeches were given by Patrick Hanlon, chairman of West Suffolk Council, Reverend Canon Mark Haworth, and Alina Sabat, a representative from the Ukrainian community.

Alina said: “About seven million Ukrainians left their homes, uprooting their lives, leaving houses, parents and memories in Ukraine. Each of us thought that we were going to England for three weeks, then for three months, but for three years now England has become a second home for us.

“It's impossible to state the amount of support from the Government of Great Britain, from West Suffolk Council and from the people, because goodness and love have no boundaries.

“Prayers for Ukraine sound in your churches. Our flag flies next to yours near the West Suffolk Council building. The doors of your schools, colleges and universities are open to our children.

“You teach us the language, culture, history and traditions of England. You sheltered us in your homes and shared your food, your time and your life with us.

“We are truly grateful for this. Glory to Ukraine. God save the King.”

Diane Hind, mayor of Bury, said she was proud of the people of the town, who welcomed and offered shelter to the refugees.

She, like others, wished to express solidarity with the Ukrainian community.

Cllr Hind said: “Putin is the aggressor and they are just the poor victims. We want them to see peace, we don’t want to see them losing any more lives, we don’t want to see Russian people losing their lives either just because of one evil person.

“I’ve met so many Ukrainian people and artists and it’s been a pleasure to get to know them.”

Cllr Hind said it was good to have a permanent reminder of their time in Bury – as well as their struggle.

She added: “I thought the service was very good. Our clergy are always considerate and choose their words well.

“It’s important for those people to acknowledge what has happened and remember their home. Many are so well integrated that it may be a strange experience for them to return, particularly for the children.

“They never expected to be here for three years. I think we all hoped it would be over quickly and here we are, with seemingly no end in sight.”

Cllr Hanlon felt the event had a brilliant turnout from both locals and the Ukrainian community.

He said he was proud to represent West Suffolk Council for what was a ‘very sad day’.

Cllr Hanlon added: “They’re lovely people and the tree is lovely.

“I implore people to come and have a look to remember what they are going through at the time.

“I would like to see a little path going towards the tree, so people can lay flowers during the winter, that would be good.”