Members of Plast patrol founded in DP camp in Germany are reunited (07/25/99)

Members of Plast patrol founded in DP camp in Germany are reunited

by Michael Komanowsky

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - In a displaced persons camp at the foot of the Alpine mountain Karwendel, near the town of Mittenwald in southern Bavaria, Germany, the 5th Plast "kurin" (scout troop) for boys ages 11-18 was founded.

The kurin was named in honor of Fedor Chernyk, an officer of the famous Ukrainian Sich Riflemen who distinguished themselves in the fight for Ukrainian independence after World War I.

Soon the "hurtok" (patrol) Holuby became one of the most active of the troop. It was fortunate that it had as its scoutmaster Prof. Oleksander Berezhnyckyj, an experienced pedagogue who skillfully instilled the ideals of high character, exemplary conduct, and service to God and country demanded of scouts worldwide.

By taking part in many camping trips and summer camps, as well as attending international scout meetings in which they represented Plast, the Ukrainian scout movement, members of the Holuby developed feelings of friendship, pride, trust and belonging.

The Holuby were disbanded in 1949 as its members emigrated to the United States, Canada and Australia. However, neither time nor distance could erase the pleasant memories and feelings of closeness experienced by its members during their relatively short association.

After 53 years they recently held their second reunion at Soyuzivka on May 23-24 (this time bringing along their "holubky" - their wives). The gathering marked the 50th anniversary of the patrol members' emigration from Europe. Despite the drenching rain that fell on both days of the reunion, all 23 attendees found great pleasure in exchanging experiences, looking at old pictures, reminiscing and, above all, singing the songs they used to sing.

Convinced of the great benefits of scouting and wishing to give young people in Ukraine an opportunity to take advantage of this organization, they collected $1,200 for Plast. While reluctantly departing for home on the day after the reunion, the one-time members of the Holuby resolved to meet again at least once a year.

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