Diverse crowd Unites in support of Ukraine's struggle downtown Raleigh

Dozens gathered at the North Carolina State Capitol grounds for an emotional rally and vigil for the Ukrainians impacted by war.

In a vibrant display of unity, downtown Raleigh transformed into a sea of blue and yellow.

People from all walks of life gathered, their voices blending in a chorus of support for Ukraine.

Signs held high, they chanted and sang, determined to keep the war's plight etched in global memory as it entered its third year.

For Donna Goldstein this rally is personal.

"My father was born in Ukraine my mom was born of Ukrainian immigrants," Goldstein said.

And Goldstein still has family living in the country.

"It’s really disheartening to get text messages first thing when I wake up," Goldstein said. "We survived. We’re still alive.' It really makes it impossible not to do something."

Goldstein is part of the Ukrainian Association of North Carolina.

In addition to planning the rally the association raises funds to support the war, sends supplies overseas, and acts as an anchor for Ukrainians in North Carolina.

Many of the people gathering here today have a connection to the country some have trouble imagining it today.

“It’s beyond the imagination. Two years of constant fighting. No, it is not the beautiful country that I first saw,” one rallygoer said.

As people rally one plea is rising above the rest.

"Congress needs to pass the aid for Ukraine," One supporter said. "Every day that’s a delay, means hundreds of more Ukrainians are dying, hundreds of civilian buildings are being destroyed, libraries, schools, hospitals," rallygoer said.

North Carolinians coming together as a reminder the war is not over two years after it started.

"With so much going on we start fading away from paying attention from what’s going on. Things like this can make people read that article or pull out their phone and Google Ukraine and remember," rallygoer said.