Morris County Reaffirms Support for Ukraine on Anniversary of Russian Invasion

Morris County stands in solidarity with Ukraine as it marks the anniversary of Russia's invasion of the sovereign nation. 

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners is reaffirming its commitment to the Ukrainian people at a memorial service held at Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany.

“Let me announce for the first time Morris County’s donation of 100 radios to Ukraine last summer. We did not announce it then out of an abundance of caution for those receiving the equipment. Morris County has also provided 100 protective vests and helmets from the Sheriff and Prosecutor’s Office, with additional donations from local police departments, along with surplus medical supplies from Morris County. I want to thank everyone in Morris County government who facilitated these donations,” remarked Director Krickus leading up to the event.

Morris County Commissioners Tom Mastrangelo, Doug Cabana, Deputy Director Christine Myers, Director John Krickus, Commissioners Deborah Smith, Stephen Shaw.

Director John Krickus will present a framed proclamation denouncing Vladimir Putin's ruthless assault on Ukraine, cementing Morris County's support for the Ukrainian cause. The larger Morris County community has rallied around the Ukrainian people over the past 12 months, delivering aid to the European nation.

During the memorial service, Director Krickus will offer remarks on behalf of the board, acknowledging and thanking the Morris County community for supporting Ukraine in this time of turmoil. Supplies and aid worth over $4 million, delivered through the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey (UACCNJ), have been a vital lifeline for the Ukrainian people.

“The support we have received from Morris County and the Commissioners is nothing short of overwhelming. People have opened up their hearts and souls to our community and our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and it means the world to us. Evil will not prevail. We need continued prayers and support,” stated UACCNJ Board Member Michael Halibej, who is also manager of the Cultural Center’s Social Club.

UACCNJ Board Member Michael Halibej, Community Leader Myron Bytz, Director John Krickus, Communications Division Manager Keith Heimburg of Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Father Stefan Bilyk.

With an estimated 12,000 residents of Ukrainian descent, Morris County had maintained a unique kinship with Ukraine dating back over a century, when immigrants first arrived in the Whippany and Malapardis sections of Hanover Township in 1908. They found hope for a new life and employment in the mills that once drove the regional economy. Ukrainian immigrants built the original Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany, establishing a community that continues to contribute significantly to Morris County and the United States.

“As a veteran, I served, as millions of others did, to protect our democracy, and now the people and armed forces of Ukraine fight for these same values. Their fight is our fight, and when you are fighting for freedom you fight harder,” stated Director Krickus.

Director John Krickus, Father Stefan Bilyk, Community Leader Myron Bytz.

As the war in Ukraine enters its second year, causing irreversible damage to the nation and its people, the memorial service will include prayers to end the carnage. Morris County urges anyone interested in donating funds, goods, or medical supplies to reach out to Myron Bytz, a community leader with the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey at https://uaccnj.org, by phone at 973-585-7175, or email: uaccnj@gmail.com.

Morris County's reaffirmation of its support for Ukraine is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people and their enduring friendship with the people of Morris County.

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