Dima

Nathalie Halbout is with David Halbout in Kyiv, Ukraine.

« Can you sign my flag? » I hear Dima ask me during one of the visits to the wounded soldiers in Kyiv.

« Sign your flag? Me? » I was dumbfounded.

In Ukrainian tradition, the yellow and blue flag is sacred, much like the American flag. However, while altering an American flag can be considered a crime, signing a Ukrainian flag is an honor.

Last year, a Ukrainian flag signed by the defenders of Bakhmut was presented to Congress by President Zelensky. Many famous figures—musicians, writers, public leaders, and even the Ukrainian commander-in-chief—have put their names on Ukrainian flags. These flags are often auctioned off, with the proceeds going to relief efforts in Ukraine.

So you can imagine my surprise when I was asked to sign this soldier’s flag.

Dima explained, « It’s a keepsake. My brothers-in-arms and the people I met after I was wounded signed it. When I finally get home, I’ll put it on the wall, and it will jog my memory. »

I wrote, « Thank you for defending Ukraine. We are rooting for you. Get well soon. Natasha, David, Maiia, and our American friends. » As soon as the ink dried, the flag was carefully folded and nestled next to Dima’s military ID in his backpack. #redbank #redbanknj #monmouthcountynj #centraljersey #flag #honor