With those words, about 50 marchers set off across the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and back Wednesday in support of Ukraine on the eighth day of its defense against Russia’s invasion.

Nadija Packauskas organized the march, donning a crown of sunflowers, a Ukrainian symbol of solidarity.

She said she felt connected to Ukraine because of her Lithuanian heritage. Her father had fled on foot from the Russians as a teenager. After being liberated from a German work camp by Americans, he later came to the United States.

“We weren’t able to talk about freedom with our own relatives, so we know what it is to have Putin’s thumb on top of you … We have to stand for democracy,” she said. “And we have to do everything we can to show them support and to show the world that we are still the beacon of democracy.”

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Marchers hold signs at the Portage Lake Lift Bridge in support of Ukraine Wednesday.

Houghton resident Tanya Breffle was born in Zhytomyr, a city in western Ukraine where Russians conducted airstrikes Wednesday. She speaks every day with her parents, brother and other relatives, who are still in Ukraine.

“The situation’s very dangerous,” she said. “A lot of bombings, people hiding in basements or special areas dedicated to protect them from the bombing. It’s getting worse. The main object of the bombing was Kyiv, but now it’s more rural areas like my hometown.”

The marchers met at the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, holding signs before walking to the Hancock side and back. Aside from one pro-Putin comment, feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with frequent thumbs-up car honks.

Joan Chadde said the plight of Ukrainians had made her cry, comparing it to David and Goliath.

“These poor people have done nothing, and they’re being invaded,” she said. “And I can’t believe how many people have been killed … it could be your neighbors, it could be your parents, it could be your kids.”

Wednesday’s turnout was great, that number grows exponentially when you add in the neighbors and friends supporting them, Packauskas said.

“I always say we have 10,000 angels behind us, and today on Ash Wednesday, these 50 have the support of the world,” she said.

Packauskas also directed people to a new Facebook group, Yoopers for Ukraine, which includes links to sites aiding Ukrainians. The group can be found at facebook.com/groups/yoopers.for.ukraine.