As a town newspaper, we rarely cover national or global issues. Yet we would be remiss this year, if first and foremost, we didn’t acknowledge what’s happening in the world.

Our hearts and prayers are with Ukraine and its people, who have bravely withstood the military might of Russia. Weeks ago, we watched ominous images of that convoy inching toward Kiev, still stalled as of press time. We are witnessing David and Goliath battles, in real time, as the Ukrainians resist the Russian war machines, standing strong as their beautiful country is brutally attacked, demolished, and innocent civilians, even children, are brutally killed. Standing strong, at such a high cost.

The people of Ukraine – men, women, children, soldiers, leaders — have demonstrated daily to the world their love of their country, and of freedom and independence; their president has become an international model of leadership; their messaging, in words, pictures, song, are powerful.  We are in awe.

Pray for them. Support their resistance, fly their flag, plant a sunflower, sing their national anthem, and accept that we might be called upon to make sacrifices ourselves.

Our hearts and prayers to Poland and Hungary for opening their borders and their homes to the Ukrainian refugees, to all the nations of the world who have rallied so strongly together in support of Ukraine and the principles they represent, and, yes, to those Russian people who, facing countless years in prison, courageously protest their dictator’s cruel war.

Democracy is holding, and we’re reminded yet again of the importance of protecting and preserving it.