Detroit-area activists gather to mark anniversary of Famine (12/20/98)

THE 65th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT FAMINE

Detroit-area activists gather to mark anniversary of Famine

by Stephen M. Wichar Sr.

WARREN, Mich. - In Michigan, the entry into the Congressional Record of October 11 by both Congressmen Sander Levin (D-12th Congressional District), and David E. Bonior, minority whip (D-10th Congressional District), energized local Ukrainians to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the 1932-1933 Famine in Ukraine.

House Concurrent Resolution 245, sponsored by members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, enlisted 71 other cosponsors.

The Ukrainian Village Corp., in cooperation with its Chervona Kalyna Society, initiated a Ukrainian Famine Remembrance Day on Tuesday afternoon, October 27. Panakhyda (memorial) and moleben (vespers) services were concelebrated by the Rev. Mario Dacechen OSBM, pastor at St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church, and the Rev. Roman Hykavy, associate pastor at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church. (Bishop Alexander Bykovetz of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, who had been scheduled to attend, was hospitalized for emergency surgery.)

As part of the opening ceremonies, Michigan's Ukrainian American Veterans Post 101, under the command of Lt. Col. Oleh Cieply, posted its colors with a special honor guard.

Five years ago during the 60th anniversary of the Famine, the Ukrainian Village had planted and dedicated a tree on Village grounds to honor the victims of this genocide.

Plans have now been made by Ukrainian Village officials to install a granite rock with a brass marker in honor of those who perished. The tree and marker will stand alongside an oak tree planted in 1987 during a community-wide observance of the first anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster.

Rep. Sander Levin delivered an address in which he declared: "It is important that Congress recognizes this tragedy in Ukraine. We must also support the efforts of the government of Ukraine as it continues on the path towards democracy, respect for human rights and an open economy." Joining the commemoration was a suprise guest, Robert Novak, national columnist and author. Mr. Novak is an internationally acclaimed political analyst and is known for his appearances on the TV programs "Crossfire" and "The Capital Gang."

Several youth groups were invited to take part in the Famine commemorations and two ODUM members responded, Andrew Smyk and Andrew Shrubowich. Mr. Smyk delivered a very compelling recitation befitting the day of remembrance.

Myroslaw Kalba, author and Ukrainian political activist, as well as president of the Chervona Kalyna Society, spoke briefly. He addressed the brutality of the Soviet regime and explained how Stalin suppressed the Ukrainian peasantry during the collectivization program by causing an artificial famine.

Stephen Wichar, president of the Ukrainian Village Corp., spoke about historical events that ultimately led to the mass starvation of the Ukrainian people. Mr. Wichar compared the Great Famine with the Jewish Holocaust, in which 6 million people were systematically exterminated. Mr. Wichar also noted the obscurity of the Ukrainian Famine compared to the Holocaust.

The speaker stated, "we have an apathy in the Ukrainian community concerning the Great Famine." He continued, "The would-be 'umbrella' leadership groups and others have failed to apprise and mobilize Americans with a well planned, long-range program to confirm that this crime of inhumanity took place in Ukraine." Mr. Wichar concluded by saying, "this is probably a task for the next generation ... maybe."

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