HARRISBURG, Pa. (ErieNewsNow) - Dozens of Ukrainians and supporters were at the state Capitol Thursday evening to celebrate the independence they have fought, and continue to, fight for.  

The celebration highlighted resiliency and perseverance as the country continues to face attacks from Russia. 

“It's a pretty significant holiday in general. But it's also a symbol of Ukrainian resilience,” said Mariia Anosova-Smith, who is from eastern Ukraine and the Co-Founder of Central PA Supports Ukraine. 

Ukrainian resilience has been on display for the world to see since the Russian invasion in February 2022. 

“We've been persevering. We've been preserving,” said Anosova-Smith to the crowd of supporters. 

Like many who were on the front steps of the Capitol Thursday evening, Anosova-Smith has family and friends still in Ukraine. 

“You know, when the war started, we were extremely worried about them. It was hard to convince them to get out of Ukraine because people just couldn't realize the scale of things,” Anosova-Smith. 

She says the event also provided an opportunity to thank the United States for its continued support of Ukraine. 

“Thank you so much for the support we already received. It's been tremendous. America is one of the greatest supporters of Ukraine,” said Anosova-Smith. “And democracy supports democracy, which is a great precedent to set,” she added. 

Nearly 10,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since the Russian invasion and tens of thousands more are injured and unaccounted for. 

“It's obviously been very stressful. It's very emotional,” said Russell Snyder, a Pennsylvania native who lived in Ukraine for several years with his wife and child, who were both born there. 

Snyder says Ukrainians and Americans have very similar values. 

“They are just some of the most freedom-loving, hardworking and they’ll do anything to defend their land,” said Snyder. “The Ukrainian people very much wish to choose their own destiny,” he added.