WASHINGTON D.C. (OnFocus) – John Peters recently attended an award ceremony to honor his son, Andrew Peters, a Marshfield resident who was killed in action on February 16, 2023, while fighting in Ukraine.
On August 29, 2024 (Ukraine’s version of the United States’ Memorial Day), the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington DC held an award ceremony to honor Andrew and other American volunteers who fought and died defending the people of Ukraine.
Andrew was posthumously awarded the Ukrainian “Order for Courage III Class” medal for his sacrifice. John and Heather Peters were invited by Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States.
The letter stated the following:
“On behalf of the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian government, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved son Andrew Peters. His sacrifice, made in the defense of Ukraine’s freedom and democracy against the Russian aggressor, will forever be remembered with the highest regard and gratitude by the Ukrainian nation.
Your son’s courage, dedication, and selflessness have been a beacon of hope and strength for us all. He stood with us in our darkest hours, embodying the values of liberty and justice that unite our peoples. We are profoundly grateful for his service and the extraordinary bravery he demonstrated on the battlefield. His commitment to the cause of Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty is a testament to the enduring bond between our nations and our shared commitment to defending human dignity and freedom.
In recognition of your son’s heroism and his invaluable contribution to our fight for freedom, it is my honor to invite you and your family members to a special event dedicated to the National Memorial Day of Defenders of Ukraine who died in the struggle for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine. During this solemn occasion, we will also hold a Ceremony to present the state honors of Ukraine to your son. This will be a moment to commemorate his extraordinary valor and to express our deepest respect and gratitude for his sacrifice.”
Peters, a U.S. Army veteran who had served a tour in Afghanistan in 2014, joined the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine in in late November 2022.
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Author: News Desk
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