About 100 gather in downtown Bend for peace rally to support people of war-torn Ukraine

100 people show up to support people of Ukraine

(Update: comments from rally organizer Chris Gardner, participants)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The sound of supportive car horns and song took over the downtown Bend Peace Corner Tuesday.

People stood in solidarity against Russia's invasion of Ukraine and in support of the people of that embattled country.

The peace rally to end the war in Ukraine began at noon, organized by The Vocal Seniority and Chris Gardner, and drew about 100 participants.

A few on hand shared why they believed the rally was important.

“Bend stands against tyranny of all kinds," Cathy Baker-Katz said. "It makes me a little frightened, because if a power like Putin can do this, it gives strength to other tyrannies for smaller countries that aren't as well equipped to withstand it."

Zenia Kuzma lives in Sisters and her parents were born and raised Ukraine. They moved to the states when they were teenagers.

“Ukrainian young people have sacrificed so that we can live in a free world," Kuzma said.

During the hour-long rally, protesters held a moment of silence, waved signs and spoke in support of the Ukrainian people.

“At this point, I think we need to put harder sanctions (in place)." Baker-Katz said.

Kuzma spoke in agreement.

“I think we should keep on with the sanctions and make them stricter," she said.

She added that the nation should take a step forward in helping the Ukrainians seeking safety.

"I think we should contribute to charities for the refugees, I think we should welcome them," Kuzma said.

“My parents came to the USA when they were teenagers, from Ukraine," Kuzma said. "You know, it’s a good thing they don’t have to watch it all over again."

Monica Tomosy was another participant who came to stand up for the cause.

“It’s kind of a generational PTSD," Tomosy said. "My parents and my sisters escaped the Russian military during WW2, and then again during the Hungarian Revolution, and they suffered greatly. I mean, there was death in our family, and losing everything, just like what you see on television now.”

As so many Ukrainians seek safety in bomb shelters or flee from their homeland for a chance of survival, the push for democracy grows stronger.

Gardner, one of the event organizers, said it's important to protect democracy.

“The question is framed in Ukraine, ‘What do you want: ruled by ballot, or ruled by tank?’ What’s the answer? We all want rule by ballot, and we’re standing shoulder to shoulder to support them.”