Actor Richard Gere congratulates Ukrainians ahead of Independence Day and recites Ukrainian poem

American actor Richard Gere, known for films such as Pretty Woman and Hachi: A Dog's Tale, has recorded a video message for Ukrainians ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day on 24 August. The actor congratulated Ukrainians on the holiday, expressed his support for Ukraine, and recited a poem by Ukrainian poet Yurii Izdryk in an English translation.

Source: Yaroslava Gres, co-founder of the Ukraine Wow project, on Instagram

Quote from Gere: "I'm talking to you today from New York City and sending my best regards… To the people of Ukraine, all of you, I send my warmest greetings and my complete and unwavering support. Congratulations on Ukraine's Independence Day! I remain by your side, I am your brother."

Details: The actor then recited a poem by Yurii Izdryk in an English translation by Roman Ivashkiv and Erine Moure. At the end of the video, he said the last words in Ukrainian.

Yaroslava Gres said the team had initially planned to post the message on 24 August, Ukraine's Independence Day, but had then decided not to wait.

Richard Gere is an American actor and Golden Globe winner. He rose to international fame for his role as Edward Lewis in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman, in which he starred alongside Julia Roberts. Gere is also known for his roles in An Officer and a Gentleman, Chicago and Hachi: A Dog's Tale.

The Ukraine Wow team thanked the actor for his support for Ukraine and specifically highlighted Ukrainian House in New York, the location for the shoot. The video creators also thanked the Gere Foundation, a charitable organisation established by the actor.

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