"Definitely a very bittersweet celebration now, because how can you ignore the rapes, the murders, the torture?" he asked.
Performers at the celebration said they're united to show solidarity and support for their country's ongoing struggle.
"The thing everybody says is 'after the victory, we will return.' But it could be a while," said musician Eugene Walden.
Walden said his cousin fled the war with her son and they are now staying in France. He dedicated a song to his cousin and other refugees who still can't go home.
"For me, it's very cathartic and healing to be around other people who are feeling the same thing," Walden said.
It has been 18 months since the Russian invasion and there is no end in sight.
Many people at the Golden Gate Park celebration said they believe Ukraine will win.

CBS TV San Francisco - 8/27/23