COLUMBUS, Ohio — Downtown Cleveland's George V. Voinovich Bridge will have a new look tonight.
In show of support for the people of Ukraine as the invasion from Russia continues, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has directed the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to illuminate the state's two lighted bridges in blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukranian flag.
In addition to changing the lighting on the Voinovich Bridge, which carries I-90 over the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, ODOT will also change the lighting on the Veterans’ Glass City Skyway, which carries I-280 over the Maumee River in Toledo.
"This is a way to show our support of the Ukrainian people in their struggle against Russia's unprovoked attack on their country," DeWine said in a statement. "I hope all Ohioans will join with the more than 42,000 Ukrainians living in our state and continue to pray for a peaceful end to this senseless Russian aggression."
Other communities in Ohio are also lighting up their bridges in support of Ukraine.
The Ashtabula County Engineer's office will light the Ashtabula Harbor Lift Bridge over the Ashtabula River in blue and yellow, and the City of Dayton will light up bridges and overpasses along I-75 through downtown. The City of Toledo also plans to light the Anthony Wayne Bridge over the Maumee River in the colors of the Ukrainian flag tonight.
"I also urge other public and privately-owned building owners to join us in demonstration of deep concern about the senseless attack on Ukraine," DeWine added. "In Ohio, we rally around those who need support, and this is a simple way to not only support those living in Ukraine but also our Ukrainian friends and neighbors living in Ohio."
On Monday night, Cleveland City Council unanimously passed a resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine "in the strongest terms." The city of Cleveland, Global Cleveland, and Cuyahoga County also issued a joint statement condemning Russia and supporting Ukraine.
The Ukrainian flag is currently flying at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus and at DeWine's residence in Bexley.
Last weekend, the governor directed the Ohio Department of Commerce to cease both the purchase and sale of all vodka made by Russian Standard, the only overseas, Russian-owned distillery with vodka sold in Ohio. He also declared Feb. 27 a Day of Prayer in Ohio to show support for innocent civilians under attack by Russia. On that same day, DeWine attended a prayer service for Ukraine at a church in Parma.
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