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Grand Rapids community invited to sing, listen and pray for Ukraine at rally

Attendees are asked to wear blue and yellow.

Credit: AP

FILE - A woman, her fingernails painted in the colors of the Ukrainian national flag, takes part in a protest against the escalation of the tension between Russia and Ukraine, near the Russian embassy in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022. Europe braced for further confrontation Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, after tensions over Ukraine escalated dramatically when Russian President Vladimir Putin got the OK to use military force outside his country and the West responded with sanctions. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Those interested in showing support for Ukraine are invited to a free demonstration in downtown Grand Rapids Thursday evening.

St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church has invited the public to gather at Ah-Nab-Awen Park by the Gerald R. Ford Museum for a Ukraine support rally.

The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

You're asked to wear blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

Attendees are invited to sing, listen and pray for peace.

This is the latest effort in West Michigan to spread awareness and garner support for the people of Ukraine as Russia continues its invasion.

The owners of LeBon Macaron in East Hills are expecting to raise more than $10,000 for Ukraine relief efforts by selling specialty cookies.

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said the Blue Bridge will be illuminated blue and yellow starting next week in solidarity.

At least 227 civilians have been killed, and more than 525 people wounded so far, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said, though that may be a vast undercount as Ukrainian officials have said more than 2,000 civilians have died.

In the seven days of fighting, more than 1 million people (or more than 2% of Ukraine's population) have fled the country.

RELATED: Russians seize key Ukrainian port, over 1 million refugees flee invasion

Grand Rapids stands in solidarity with Ukraine

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Gestures of solidarity with Ukraine across the globe

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AP

A man runs along a boardwalk opposite the sails of the Opera House illuminated with the colors of Ukraine's national flag in solidarity with the country's people and government currently being invaded by Russia in Sydney, Australia, Monday, Feb. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

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