Ukraine Support Rally (Flagler Beach, FL)

On Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022, the Palm Coast Democratic Club and local veteran advocate Dave Camarca organized the "We Stand With Ukraine" rally in Veteran's Park at Flagler Beach, on the intersection of A1A and Highway 100. Dozens of local supporters showed up with signs to show support for Ukranians currently under attack.

Supporters held up peace signs as passersby honked their horns in favor of the rally's message.

Democratic organizer Mike Cocchiola (left) brought a sign clearly delineating the local party's stance on the war.

Many signs at the rally directly called out President Putin, as it is generally accepted that his actions and decisions as President of Russia are not indicative of the country as a whole.

The rally's message is nearly universally agreed upon, as Democrats and Republicans have each come out and reached across the aisle to stand against the attacks.

Dave Camarca, 74, made a sign using a quote from Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky. When he turned down an offer from the United States of evacuation from the capital city Kyiv, a report from the US Embassy stated Zelensky told them, "I don't need a ride, I need ammunition". Zelensky's quote inspired many Ukranians to continue the fight at home themselves rather than flee. Camarca found this inspiring as well, citing his 2 combat tours in Vietnam as part of why he is so involved in supporting Ukrainians.

Camarca is one of the main organizers of this rally, putting it together within just 2 days of the first attack. "We need to show our support for Ukraine, and for the local Ukranian immigrants," Camarca said.

"I was satisfied, [Biden] is doing all he can at the moment," Camarca said about the US President Joe Biden's State of the Union address.

"I wanted to do something almost immediately after the invasion. Within the first few days of the invasion, Ukraine became so motivating and inspirational that I felt like I had to do something," Carmarca stated.

On 24 February 2022, the Russian flagship Moskva, and patrol boat Vasily Bykov, began an assault on Snake Island, a Ukrainian island located in the Black Sea. The Moskva called on the soldiers to surrender in return for their safety, which was firmly declined by the defenders. The exchange, which took place in Russian language, has been translated as:

Russian warship: "Snake Island, I, Russian warship, repeat the offer: put down your arms and surrender, or you will be bombed. Have you understood me? Do you copy?"

Ukrainian 1 to Ukrainian 2: "That's it, then. Or, do we need to fuck them back off?"

Ukrainian 2 to Ukrainian 1: "Might as well."

Ukrainian 1: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself."

There are plans to continue holding these rallies recurringly, until the war in Ukraine ceases.