Volunteering in Ukraine, I see the same spirit of freedom that defeated the Nazis

During the past week, I have traveled around Ukraine and seen a strength in the people I encounter that I was only told about from years past, as the world was at war with Adolf Hitler.

Then, there were the underground fighting units that had to move about to disrupt the German army. There were the civilians who had to take a stand for what they believed to be right and face down the Nazi movement.

Here, Ukrainians are not engaging Nazi soldiers, but nonetheless they have to defend against a man who feels he has a right to destroy a country for his own purpose. Today, Ukraine has tasted the sweetness of being free and independent from the ruling dictatorship of the Russian Federation. Its people would rather fight and possibly die rather than lose the freedom they have found.

Ukrainians have claimed their independence from a foreign power and they are dedicated to defending their land, as we in America rebelled against the British during our Revolutionary War. They have the same spirit we had back then. They have the same exuberance we had when we joined the Allies to battle Japanese and Nazi rule. We were in shock on the day of Sept. 11, 2001. But then, we became determined to bring to justice all those involved in that unprovoked attack on America.

Here, I see history repeating itself — people picking themselves up on a daily basis, just trying to live a life as normal as possible without war or dictatorship. This morning, I awoke to three explosions overhead. Russia had sent more drones to destroy the country’s infrastructure, but the Ukrainian army was skilled in downing most of the them. Some missed their targets and hit houses, but none of the structures were completely destroyed, as Russia intended.

Afterward, I watched as the citizens went about their lives with as much routine as possible. We live each day not knowing when or where a drone or missile will strike next. Yet the spirit of the average Ukrainian is one of hope. They do not lose that hope, and I think this gives them great strength.

The people of Kansas City ask how they can help most. The best thing all people can do is to help support the fight by unifying with Ukraine. I think about the beginning of World War II, and how America didn’t want to get involved because the war was in Europe. But that changed after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. I believe unity is the best defense against someone like Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Here, we need warm uniforms for the Ukrainian soldiers suffering in the wintry weather. They need night vision equipment, too. We have thousands of families living in utter darkness and without heat because of power outages. Can you imagine trying to live without water, or heat, or electricity for days without end? One can only try to imagine the difficulties the people of Ukraine endure each day.

Life is full of challenges, but each new sunrise brings new hope with it. Eventually, this war shall end — but at what cost?

This story was originally published December 16, 2022 at 7:00 AM.