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Minneapolis, MN (KROC-AM News) - The State of Minnesota is expressing its support for the people of Ukraine.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation today announced the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis will be illuminated by blue and yellow lights beginning tonight. The colors match those used on the Ukrainian flag, which has a horizontal band of blue on the top with a horizontal band of yellow below. According to worldatlas.com, the blue "represents the sky, streams, and mountains of Ukraine." The website says the yellow symbolizes "Ukraine's golden wheat fields and the richness of the earth."

In announcing the light display, MnDOT stated, "We stand united with Ukrainians here in Minnesota and around the world." The blue and yellow illumination of the bridge will continue nightly through the weekend.

The US Census estimates there are about 17,000 Ukrainian Americans living in Minnesota and more than 1 million throughout the United States.

The expression of support follows the Russian invasion of Ukraine this week. As of Friday, fierce fighting is ongoing and many parts of the country, including the capital of Kyiv.

TRIBUTE: 29 U.S. Service Members From Minnesota Killed During the War in Afghanistan

After 20 years of war, 29 men and women from Minnesota made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan while serving our country during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Scroll through the photos below and pay tribute to our fellow Minnesotans who served with valor.

The information below comes from the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count

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