D.C. area Ukrainians welcome famine commission staff director (05/04/86)

D.C. area Ukrainians welcome famine commission staff director

by Yaro Bihun

WASHINGTON - Dr. James Mace, staff director of the U.S. Commission on the Ukraine Famine, and his wife, Dr. Gloria y'Edynak, were welcomed to the Washington area by the Ukrainian community on April 18.

Dr. Mace came to Washington from Harvard University to direct the work of the U.S. government commission created to study the Great Famine of 1932-33, in which an estimated 7 million people perished in Ukraine. The panel includes two senators, four congressmen, three members of the administration and six representatives of the Ukrainian American community.

Dr. Mace and y'Edynak were the guests of honor at an evening reception sponsored by The Washington Group, a Ukrainian professionals association.

Welcoming them to the Washington area, TWG President Natalie Sluzar said the Ukrainian American community was pleased with the formation of the commission and was well aware of the challenges Dr. Mace will be facing. "The work won't be easy," she said, promising her organization's support of the panel's efforts.

Responding, Dr. Mace said that working with a group as diverse as the commission will be a challenge indeed. He added, however, "I hope that I will be able to accomplish what you and others expect to be accomplished from the famine commission."

Dr. Mace and his wife were welcomed in the traditional Ukrainian manner, with bread and salt. They were also presented with token gifts to ease their transition to the nation's capital: maps of the area and coffee mugs depicting a Washingtonian's view of the world.

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