The beloved symbol of Ukrainian national identity is the sunflower. The flower is called soniashnyk in the Ukrainian language. A Smart News article by Antonia Mufarech was very interesting and helpful in understanding the importance of the flower. The article traces the sunflower being introduced by the Spaniards to Europe in the early 17th century and to the Ukrain in the next century. The flower seeds were excellent snacks, and could be crushed into a useful oil. You cooks would understand why the light oil was a good alternative to lard or butter for cooking. Today the sunflower is a key crop in the Ukrianian agricultural output. The Ukrainian and Russia growers export over 70% of global sunflower oil. The flowers are abundant across the villages, gardens and fields in the Ukrain.

The current sunflower movement went viral early in the unjust war brought on the Ukrainian people by Putin and his Russian military. In a clip, early in the war, a Ukrainian woman in the southern port city of Henychesk gives sunflower seeds to armed Russian soldiers.  “Take these seeds so sunflowers will grow here when you die.”  That fearless resolve goes a long way to explaining the unexpected resilience of the Ukranian army against a militarily superior foe. The sunflower is a symbol of Peace. It is more than that to the people of Ukrain fighting for their freedom and to protect their homeland.

The pictures are the Boise sunflowers which Karen and I have taken to growing in our former vegetable garden. The grandchildren helped us plant the first few crops and they enjoyed watching them grow.  The squirrels and birds consume the seeds and leave a few to volunteer next year. We did grow one tomato plant in a pot this year and it has done very well, one challenge, the deer like the foliage and especially the fruit. I started down this topic to find out why the deer were not eating the sunflowers, they are reported to love them. I can only assume out of respect and recognition that the flowers symbolize peace, the deer do not walk through or eat them.

My dad worked for the Union Pacific and was a proud member of the union. I realize it is a bit out vogue but this country was built on the dedicated labor of the American worker and the Unions protected their jobs and economic well being. I am thanking the organizations that worked diligently to find a compromise to keep the train’s rolling. A strike in the current inflationary and supply chain challenged economy would have been devastating. I include in my gratitude and admiration for our President and his team, way to go Joe!

If you see Karen, tell her happy 51st anniversary. Enjoy, celebrate, and protect our freedom.  Mike