Hamill helps find drones for Ukraine
“These are the drones you’re looking for,” reads an appeal for donations to a Ukraine fundraising effort next to a picture of none other than legendary “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill.
Since Hamill was tapped as an ambassador for United24’s “Army of Drones” campaign in the fall, a lot has happened: He had a Zoom call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 500 drones have been sent to Ukraine and a new effort to raise funds toward 10 reconnaissance drones has been launched.
“The fact that they thought I could help — who am I to say no?” the actor known for his portrayal as Luke Skywalker said recently.
As one of the most famous celebrities in the galaxy, Hamill felt he has a responsibility to use his voice to help those in need.
“What do I have that is special? And that is, in this case, an ability to reach people,” he said.
In a September news release announcing the partnership, Zelenskyy was quoted as thanking Hamill for supporting Ukrainians since the beginning of the Russian invasion. “For Ukrainians, this means a lot. As in ‘Star Wars,’ good will triumph over evil, and light will overcome darkness,” Zelenskyy was quoted as telling Hamill. “With you in the team, there’s no other way around it.”
Hamill ascribed the sci-fi franchise’s resonance to its symbolism.
“Essentially it was a fairy tale for young children, and it enabled George (Lucas) to tell a story that was very clear cut, where the villains were the villains. The heroes were the heroes,” Hamill said recently. “And it was very clearly defined to teach a morality tale about perseverance and resistance toward an oppressive regime.”
Hamill’s latest effort for United24, a crowdfunding campaign launched by Zelenskyy, and its “Army of Drones” initiative focuses on RQ-35 Heidrun drones, which Hamill described as sophisticated and “benign.”
“They’re not lethal.
They are the eyes in the sky and protect the borders and the people of Ukraine,” he said. People can also opt to “dronate” if they already have a drone in their possession.
This is not Hamill’s first foray into current affairs.
Now 71, Hamill’s passion for politics began during the 1960 presidential contest between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. “I have always been interested in government and politics, since before I could vote,” said Hamill, recalling his disagreement with his dad’s political views at that time.
Hamill is vocal on social media when it comes to American politics and has actively campaigned for Democrats in the United States. President Joe Biden even wrote him a letter. But regardless of the accolades and the fancy stationery from the most famous house in the U.S., Hamill isn’t striving for recognition.
“I don’t do it for this reason,” he said.
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