UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Celebrations throughout North America: Maplewood, N.J. (09/23/01)

UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Celebrations throughout North America

Maplewood, N.J.

by Andrew Keybida

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. - Mayor Vic Deluca of Maplewood on August 7 signed and read a proclamation approved by the Maplewood Township Committee, designating Friday, August 24, as Ukrainian Independence Day and commemorating the 10th anniversary of modern Ukraine's independence.

Mayor Deluca greeted the Ukrainian Americans assembled at Maplewood Town Hall and stated that he is happy to sign the proclamation and wants to pay tribute to Americans of Ukrainian heritage who have made important contributions to political, economic and cultural life in Maplewood.

After reading the proclamation, Mayor Deluca presented the document to Andrew Keybida, coordinator, and ordered that the Ukrainian flag be flown in front of Town Hall on August 24 alongside the American flag to "pay tribute to the Ukrainian people for their courage in the struggle for freedom and independence of Ukraine."

The recipient of the Maple Leaf Award in 1993, Mr. Keybida accepted the proclamation and stated: "The Ukrainian American community in Maplewood is very grateful for the proclamation. I extend my personal thanks to all who have supported Ukraine's cry for freedom in this Town Hall during these past 36 years. Your generous endorsement of Ukraine's independence helped to bring to fruition the joyous freedom that 50 million Ukrainians are enjoying today."

At 9:30 a.m. on August 24 members of the Maplewood's Ukrainian American community met at Town Hall to commemorate the 10th anniversary of independence of Ukraine.

The Rev. Bohdan Lukie CSsR, pastor of St. John's Ukrainian Catholic Church of Newark, N.J., opened the ceremonies with a prayer and asked God's blessings for the people of Ukraine who are enjoying the freedom regained 10 years ago.

"Today on August 24, 2001," the Rev. Luckie said, "we happily celebrate the 10th anniversary of this glorious dream. Ukraine is now a young democracy, struggling painfully to grow to maturity. It looks enviously to America, the land of the free and the brave, wishing that some day, some day soon, Ukraine will fully share all the wonderful ideals of a totally democratic country."

Mayor Deluca greeted over 60 community leaders and friends, many of them in traditional Ukrainian attire, and stated that he was happy to sign and read the proclamation commemorating the 10th anniversary of modern Ukraine.

After accepting the proclamation from the mayor, Mr. Keybida reviewed Ukraine's conditions prior to the declaration of independence on August 24, 1991, and underscored that he envisions a bright future for the country.

The delegation proceeded outdoors with the Ukrainian flag to paticipate in a flag-raising ceremony. During the solemn moment when Mayor Deluca hoisted the American and Ukrainian flags, the assembled sang the national anthems of the United States and Ukraine.

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