Here's Why The Concord Point Lighthouse Looks Different This Week

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — The Concord Point Lighthouse is illuminated in blue and yellow in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Blue and yellow are the colors of the flag of Ukraine, which is currently being invaded by Russia.

"By order of the Mayor and City Council, Concord Point Lighthouse has been illuminated blue and yellow in solidarity with the people of Ukraine," city officials said Monday.

Havre de Grace is not the only one taking a stand.

Gov. Larry Hogan said he terminated Maryland's sister-state partnership with Russia's Leningrad region over the weekend after the invasion of Ukraine. The partnership was established in 1993.

After Hogan directed state agencies to review any ties to Russian entities through contracts and holdings, he called on the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System's board of trustees to take divestment actions regarding investments, securities or holdings with Russian entities or those affiliated with the country.

"These measures are symbolic ways for us to send a loud and clear message to Russia that here in Maryland, we stand on the side of peace and freedom," Hogan said.

On Wednesday night, the governor held a solidarity vigil in Annapolis in a show of support.

"Tonight, as we lift up the people of Ukraine with our prayers, they are lifting us up with incredibly inspiring displays of courage and resolve," Hogan said. "In word and in deed, they are fighting back with everything they have. So many incredible stories of heroism have emerged in recent days — a man standing defiantly in front of an oncoming Russian military convoy; a Ukrainian marine detonating a bridge and laying down his own life to stall the Russian advance on Kyiv; a woman bravely and boldly confronting armed Russian soldiers; [and] civilians standing in front of tanks and armored vehicles."

More than 2,000 Ukrainians have been killed in the attacks, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service, while Russia has reported nearly 500 of its troops have died as well, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

"In the face of such pure evil, the Ukrainian people have shown themselves to be true heroes—showing the world what it means to stand up and fight to defend freedom, and reminding each and every one of us that freedom and liberty are worth fighting and risking your lives for," Hogan said. "Tonight we pray for them and their families, for all those who are suffering, and for the brave people of Ukraine, and we pray for peace."

Since the attack on Ukraine on Feb. 24, the Associated Press said 1 million people, or about 2 percent of the population of Ukraine, has left the country.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.