DAYTON — A former Miami Valley congressman has returned from a trip to Ukraine.
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Former Dayton Congressman-turned-Ambassador Tony Hall made his second trip to the war-torn country this year.
As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, the Ukrainians asked him to come back to help them establish something only the United States currently has.
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“They asked me to come back to speak to them about having a Day of Prayer,” he told News Center 7′s Cheryl McHenry.
During Tony Hall’s 23 years representing Dayton in Congress, one of his proudest accomplishments was bringing about the annual National Day of Prayer.
“It’s the first Thursday of Every May. I was the sponsor of that law when I was in Congress and it was signed by President Reagan in 1988,” he said.
Hall told Cheryl that he found beauty and friendship during his Ukraine visits. He has also witnessed a country at war. It bears the scars of Russia’s ongoing invasion.
“You know, the people are ready for peace, and they’ve suffered for three years. At least Putin and his people, they’re evil people,” he said.
Until that peach comes, Halls says the Ukrainians need a break.
“They’re tired, they’re hurting, they’re sick, and they’re wounded. “Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives.”
Hall believes coming together in prayer can help.
“You know when you bow before God and do it in a humble fashion, there’s peace and grace that comes with it,” he said.
Cheryl asked, “Tony, what do you think the prospects of peace are? We have a new administration coming in here and certain promises have been made that this war is going to end quickly. Do you think there will be a difference?”
“Yes,” he answered. “I think there will be peace here in the next year.”
Hall says the Ukraine Parliament hopes to pass the National Day of Prayer into law before Christmas.
He also hopes a “just peace” will come for Ukraine in 2025.
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