Maine’s Annual Word Refugee Day Gathering to be Held Virtually in Light of COVID-19 Pandemic
Maine’s immigrant communities with Catholic Charities Maine’s Office of Maine Refugee Services and Refugee & Immigrations Services will host a virtual gathering in honor of World Refugee Day on Saturday, June 20th at 1pm.
Remarks from Governor Janet Mills, Maine’s senate and congressional delegates, faith and community leaders along with refugee voices will be highlighted in a Zoom video https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
This year’s virtual event is a marked difference from year’s past which is always a lively celebration filled with food and performances, but while the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible to gather in person, organizers believe it is important to honor and recognize the journeys made by refugees, as many of them came to the United States fleeing violence and persecution based upon their race, religion, or political beliefs and are in need of our support now more than ever.
World Refugee Day is a global celebration that is held annually to recognize the struggles and honor the courage of over 25 million refugees worldwide displaced by violence or persecution.
Ghomri Rostampour, Ekhlas Ahmed, Tarlan Ahmadov at the 2019 Lewiston World Refugee Day celebration. Ekhlas Ahmed will emcee the June 20 celebration. Photo | John Ochira
