Illinois UCCA commemorates two January 22 anniversaries (02/24/02)

Illinois UCCA commemorates two January 22 anniversaries

CHICAGO - Over 350 people gathered on January 20 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Chicago for the annual banquet sponsored by the Illinois Branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America to commemorate two historic dates of independence for Ukraine: January 22, 1918, when the Fourth Universal announced the country's independence, and January 22, 1919, when the Act of Union unified all Ukrainian lands.

Branch President Orest Baranyk, who took this opportunity to remind those in attendance that the upcoming Verkhovna Rada elections in March will have long- term, consequences for Ukraine, opened the event.

He stated that it is the obligation of the Ukrainian diaspora to take action to ensure that fair and transparent democratic elections, which reflect the will of the general population, take place. To achieve this, Mr. Baranyk indicated that a fund-raising effort would commence in the Ukrainian community to assist with proper monitoring of the election and establish a process for reporting violations to the Central Election Commission and the U.S. ambassador.

The Rt. Rev. Ivan A. Krotec gave the invocation. Mr. Baranyk then introduced Borys M. Bazylevskyi, consul general of Ukraine in Chicago. Mr. Bazylevskyi informed the audience that January 22, 1919, is now recognized as an official Ukrainian holiday, commemorating the unification of eastern and western Ukraine in one state

UCCA President Michael Sawkiw, Jr., gave an address in which he discussed the many attempts of Ukraine to acquire independence. Although many of them were futile, the will of the people for freedom and sovereignty finally prevailed in 1991, he underlined, and since then Ukraine has achieved remarkable progress.

Despite the difficulties and problems that still exist in Ukraine, "one cannot deny that democracy already exists in Ukraine - it exists, but it is still young and has just started to grow roots after the long years of totalitarianism; however, it is absolutely necessary for Ukraine's further development," stated Mr. Sawkiw.

The UCCA national president also focused on the upcoming parliamentary elections in Ukraine, adding that, "We must support the democratic process, due to which the people of Ukraine will begin to partake actively in their own fortune and will understand that the elected officials are not kings of the land, but merely servants of the people."

Mr. Baranyk then presented the UCCA Illinois Branch's Man of the Year award to Ambassador William Green Miller in recognition of his efforts on behalf of Ukraine. Ambassador Miller served as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine for nearly half of its independence.

His address focused on many topics of great interest to those present, especially his analysis of the first 10 years of Ukrainian independence and his perspective on the importance of the upcoming elections. Ambassador Miller indicated he would be leaving for Ukraine in February on a three-week fact-finding mission leading up to the elections.

Mr. Baranyk and Lev Bodnar, branch vice-president, presented achievement awards to Vasyl Palahniuk for 25 years of service as the host of the "Ukrainian Evening Tribune" radio program. Oleh Koverko was recognized for 25 years of dedicated service in the Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art.

The cultural entertainment for the event was provided by the Ukrainian Artistic Center's chamber orchestra, conducted by Zeonid Modrytzkyj, with vocal soloist Vasyl Matwiyiw. The banquet closed with the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem.

All who are concerned with ensuring the democratic process in Ukraine occurs were encouraged to make a contribution to the "Elections Fund 2002" through their local UCCA branches or by sending a check to: UCCA, 203 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003. Contributions will support the UCCA's civic education and election monitoring initiatives in Ukraine.

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