In unity there is strength... (12/14/03)

In unity there is strength...

Below is the text of a statement from the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America regarding the Ukrainian National Association's announcement that it was restoring its relationship with the UCCA.

The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) warmly welcomes the initiative of the Ukrainian National Association (UNA) to restore its membership in the UCCA, thus strengthening our central umbrella representative organization. Unification of the Ukrainian American community is one of the principal tasks of the UCCA. Only through unity and mutual cooperation will we be able to continue implementing the dreams of our forefathers and maintain a strong vibrant community. Having come to the United States for a variety of reasons, our forefathers struggled to preserve our language, culture and history, while aspiring to achieve independence for Ukraine. We are fortunate to be living in a time when Ukraine has restored its independence, but the state-building process requires all our efforts.

Before us now are many new important tasks and challenges. In our community, we must continue teaching the younger generations the roots of our ancestors, the Ukrainian language, and instill an awareness of our culture and traditions of our nation. Together, we have to continue helping Ukraine re-establish a democratic polity and market economy. Only through cooperative means will we remain a vibrant civil advocate for the Ukrainian community in the United States, as well as assist our brethren in Ukraine.

We warmly welcome the UNA's decision to reunite with the UCCA and hope that other Ukrainian organizations will follow its lead. This uniting step in the Ukrainian community will serve as an example for Ukraine in the crucial presidential pre-election campaign period. Thus, this American step towards unity proves most significant when Ukraine stands at the crossroads: to continue building a true democracy or slip back into an authoritarian system. Having common goals, including the unification of our community organizations, will make our work much more effective and allow us to achieve better results for the greater good of the Ukrainian American community.

The UCCA is certain that our combined efforts will produce even more tangible results for the benefit of the Ukrainian community and Ukraine. We are pleased that the community has put unification in the forefront - let us achieve this goal!

On behalf of the Executive Board of the UCCA:

Michael Sawkiw, Jr.
President

Marie Duplak
Executive Secretary

December 8, 2003

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