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Canada began training Ukrainian troops in 2015 and has committed to Operation Unifier until the end of March 2019. Canada’s troops have “mainly” been from the 3rd Canadian Division, headquartered in Edmonton, according to a government website.

Slavka Shulakewych, provincial co-ordinator with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, said this is the first time they’ve held a thank-you meal for returning troops. They’d been working with the military to schedule the dinner for around six months.

“I know it’s tough being away from family and training another country’s military, but we much appreciate (their) work and (their) help in (making Ukraine) one more step closer to a democratic country and a country that can defend itself,” she said.

Photo by Larry Wong / POSTMEDIA NETWORK

Monday’s event featured a dinner with perogies, kielbasa and cabbage rolls, and performances by the Cheremshyna Dancers, the Verkhovyna School of Dance and the Verkhovyna choir.

Andryjowycz and Shulakewych were both born in Canada, but maintain ties to Ukraine. Andryjowycz’s parents immigrated to Canada after the Second World War. Shulakewych’s son had his wedding in Ukraine.

On a recent visit, Shulakewych was struck by the calm in the peaceful parts of the country.

“We were out there this summer, and everybody goes to the coffee shop … and tries to keep a (stiff) upper lip, and for the most part 95 per cent of Ukraine is normal,” she said.

She’s seen the other five per cent, helping the Canada Ukraine Foundation organize doctor exchanges and raise funds for prosthetics for people injured in the fighting.

Cpl. Ethan Fulljames with Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) was one of around 75 Canadian soldiers to attend Monday’s dinner.

He did two rotations in Ukraine, returning most recently last spring.

“It’s nice that the community here is recognizing that Canadian soldiers have gone over,” he said.

jwakefield@postmedia.com