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, 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 Hres, 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. The text was translated into English by Roman Ivashkiv and Erine Moure. At the end of the video, Gere spoke a few words in Ukrainian.

Hres said the team had initially planned to publish the message on 24 August, Ukraine's Independence Day, but 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.

In its message, the team of Ukraine Wow thanked the actor for his support for Ukraine and specifically highlighted Ukrainian House in New York, which served as the filming location. The creators of the video also thanked the Gere Foundation, a charitable foundation established by the actor.

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