Over 100 refugees are estimated to have settled on Long Island from Ukraine since Russian troops invaded the country a year ago.

Olena Garashchuk say her father, who was part of the military, was killed by Russian soldiers just weeks into the war.

She was one of the thousands of women and children who escaped by rail. She says it took days of no food or sleep to get her two children to relative safety in Poland.

Through the help of friends in the United States, Garashchuk was able to get on a flight to New York and now lives at a sponsor's home in East Meadow.

Her husband, mother and sister are still in Ukraine under difficult conditions while they hope for an end to the hostility.

Garashchuk and other Ukrainian Americans stood in solidarity with Nassau County officials to support her home country.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who says he has family ties to Ukraine, says Long Islanders have sent tons of supplies and equipment to the war-torn country.

"Not only are we protecting the Ukrainian people and helping them, but we are protecting freedom around the world against naked aggression," Blakeman says.

Garashchuk says she is grateful for all of the love and support Long Islanders have given her and her family. She hopes there will soon be peace so she can return to Ukraine.

"I want to support and develop my country because I have good experience," Garashchuk says. "I love my country; I love my people."

Nassau County officials say the dome of the County Legislature building will be illuminated in blue and yellow to honor the Ukrainian people.