REACTION TO THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON THE U.S.: Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (09/23/01)

REACTION TO THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON THE U.S.

Ukrainian Congress Committee of America

Sadness, sorrow and disdain have filled the hearts of the Ukrainian American community as the United States became the target of a massive terrorist attack on Tuesday, September 11. The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), as a representative organization of the Ukrainian American community, would like to express its deepest sympathies to the victims and the families of those who were affected by the terrorist acts perpetrated upon our nation.

We deplore this cowardly act of violence, the faceless nature of terrorist activities, and the inhumanity and complete disregard for human life. Such barbaric acts defy the principles of democracy and humanity, the cornerstone of America and other peace-loving nations throughout the world. It is to this call to democracy and the building of a better world that the Ukrainian American community has dedicated its resources and expounded its energy for the last 100 years of its immigration to "the land of opportunity."

Despite the horror and tragedy we have witnessed, the tremendous resolve of the American people must not be underestimated. The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America commends the massive, swift and heroic response of emergency personnel, average citizens and volunteers who have risked and, in some cases, given up their lives to save the lives of their brethren. Sacrificing one's own life to save the life of another is the greatest gift of human self-worth, respect and kindness. We, Ukrainian Americans, citizens of the United States, stand behind our local, state and federal governments in their rescue and recovery efforts, and we pledge our unwavering support to assist the victims and their families during this tragic time in America's history.

The untold numbers of innocent victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks, among them Ukrainian Americans, remind us as a community to garner our strength and resources to assist those afflicted by this horrific misfortune. In times like this, the world unites, and the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America would like to thank our brethren in Ukraine who have expressed their solemn regrets and sympathies to us as a community dealing with this painful moment in American history.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America urges the Ukrainian American community to aid in the recovery and rescue efforts by donating blood at local blood banks or volunteering their time. Those who would like to contribute financially to assist the victims and their families may send a check or money order made out to UCCA - World Trade Center Relief Fund, c/o Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, 203 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003.

America must remain unified during these trying times. We will recover and persevere!

God bless America!

On behalf of the executive board of the
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America:
Michael Sawkiw Jr., President
Marie Duplak, Executive Secretary

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