Ukrainian American Veterans convention prepares for 50th anniversary (11/24/96)

Ukrainian American Veterans convention prepares for 50th anniversary

by Stephen M. Wichar Sr.

PHILADELPHIA - With a clarion call for a 50th anniversary convention at Soyuzivka in 1997, Ukrainian American Veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf gathered in the City of Brotherly Love on September 20-22 to mark their 49th year of activity.

Under the leadership of Chairmen Edward Zetick and Lubomyr Tryciecky, assisted by Walter Senyshyn, the three-day agenda was efficiently conducted.

With military standards raised, the UAV began its 49th Convention after registering all delegates on Friday morning. Probably the most disappointing aspect of this conclave was the ever declining attendance of delegates from key states, both from the East and Midwest. Representatives voiced their concerns and expectations about veterans' problems, the need for a greater commitment to Ukrainian American communities and seeking ways to foster a growth in membership.

After the general business was completed (minutes, credentials, reports by outgoing officers and the like), delegates were assigned to the following committees: Auditing, Constitution and By-Laws, Research and Documentation, Future Convention Sites, Ways and Means, Membership, Welfare, Resolutions, Rites and Rituals, and Nominations.

National Commander Dmytro Bondarczuk then suspended the afternoon plenary session so that the committees could meet in conference and prepare reports for the following business day.

On Friday evening, a traditional Hospitality Night was held for all delegates and guests, courtesy of the Philadelphia Convention Committee. There was an excellent choice of buffet, and the refreshment bar was always abundant. The party was enhanced by a volunteer "chorus" that sang and sang. It was a memorable evening.

On Saturday morning, the committee chairmen presented their findings and recommendations. After lengthy deliberations, the Nominations Committee presented a list of candidates for the 1996-1997 term.

The following were nominated and elected: National Commander Bodnarczuk (New City, N.Y.), Senior Vice-Commander Steven Szewczuk (King's Park, N.Y.), Financial Officer Michael Wengryn (Clifton, N.J.), Judge Advocate Matthew Koziak (Highland Park, N.J.), Adjutant and Historian Vasyl Luchkiw (New City, N.Y.), Quartermaster Roman Didycki (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.), Chaplain and Service Officer Myroslaw Pryjma (Warren, Mich.), Welfare Officer Bohdan Samokyszyn (Parma, Ohio), Scholarship Officer Michael Demchuk (Seven Hills, Ohio), Publications and Public Relations Officer George Miziuk (Windsor, N.J.).

Simultaneously with the UAV's deliberations, the National Ladies Auxiliary conducted its own business sessions. A Nominating Committee proposed the following women to the Auxiliary Executive Board: President Rosalie Polche (Sunnyside, N.Y.), Senior Vice-President Irene Pryjma (Warren, Mich.), Junior Vice-President Ann Bezkorowajny (Monroe, N.Y.), Secretary Olga Wengryn (Passaic, N.J.), Treasurer Harriet Dusanenko (New City, N.Y.), Assistant Treasurer Amelia Berezowsky (Philadelphia), Judge Advocate Pauline Pender (Farmington, Conn.), Chaplain Pauline Pender (Plainville, Conn.), Historian Jean Elnick (Warren, Mich.), Service Officer Alberta Baitinger (Warren, Mich.), Sergeant-at-Arms Nadia Wichar (Clinton Township, Mich.) and Welfare Officer Helen Drabyk (West Palm Beach, Fla.)

A large number of delegates and guests attended the convention banquet at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center. The presentation of colors was executed by the United States Navy Color Guard, and both the American and Ukrainian national anthems were sung by the audience led by members of Michigan's Zoloti Dzvony.

Past National Commander Zetick provided the welcoming remarks. After thanking the audience for a successful turnout, Mr. Zetick declared that Philadelphia was proud to host the 49th Convention as a preface to the UAV's forthcoming 50th birthday in 1997. He then introduced Past National Commander (PNC) Luchkiw as the master of ceremonies.

After briefing the audience about issues and conditions in Ukraine, Dr. Luchkiw called on PNC Eugene Sagac to act as the evening's installation officer with PNC Atanas Kobryn assisting as the aide-de-camp. The newly elected officers of both the UAV and Ladies Auxiliary were installed during a formal military ritual. Acceptance speeches for both units were delivered by Commander Bodnarczuk and President Polche.

The first speaker for the evening was Ted Zenuk. He enumerated the beginnings of the UAV when Philadelphia veterans established Post No. 4 in 1946. The speaker proceeded with historical highlights that defined this unit for the next half-century. Mr. Zenuk concluded his talk by affirming, "I was very proud to have served in the United States armed forces during World War II. I am also proud of my Ukrainian heritage. I feel these are strong bonds which hold veterans together."

The keynote speaker for the 49th Convention was Anna Krawczuk, formerly with the United States Medical Corps, and currently serving a second term as the president of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America.

Her address, titled "The Role of Ukrainian Women in the Military," was compelling and delivered with procession. The audience was impressed with Mrs. Krawczuk's grasp of facts relating to women in war, beginning with the first millennium (Princess Olha).

"Will we ever know," she asked, "how many Ukrainians fought and died during the turmoils of the 20th century, under so many flags in as many different countries - often, unknowingly, brother against brother? We shall never know the exact number of fallen heroes, men and women of Ukrainian heritage, who gave their lives so that we and the world could live in freedom, democracy and peace."

Mrs. Krawczuk concluded her address by declaring, "from the time I served in the U.S. Army, the role of the women in the military shifted from support services to that of equality with men, including combat." The address was greeted with a standing ovation.

The third speaker was Robert Gulay, the prime mover of the UAV Adopt-a-Hospital program in Ukraine. He expounded on the potential avenues of charity that could evolve from this kind project. He focused on the efforts of New Jersey veterans who have been able to deliver more than $11 million in medical aid in two and one-half years. "I strongly urge that all veterans' groups in America take part in this humanitarian project," Mr. Gulay concluded.

After the invocation, dinner was served. At the close of the banquet, Dr. Luchkiw introduced dignitaries and announced greetings from organizations. The most notable guest for the evening was Philadelphia Mayor Edward Rendell, who emphasized how ethnic groups have made a difference in American politics.

Mr. Tryciecky took several minutes to thank all delegates, guests, and especially the Convention Committee, for making the 49th Convention a success. Following the benediction, the Ukrainian orchestra Vodohray provided music for dancing.

On Sunday morning, as delegates and guests departed for home and churches, the new UAV board conducted a transition meeting where they laid plans for the immediate future.