35th UNA CONVENTION: Opening address at convention by President Ulana Diachuk (06/02/02)

35th UNA CONVENTION

Opening address at convention by President Ulana Diachuk

Following is the text of the English-language remarks delivered by Ukrainian National Association President Ulana Diachuk at the opening of the UNA Convention on Friday, May 24.

Dear Delegates, Members of the General Assembly, Guests and UNA Members:

On behalf of the General Assembly of the Ukrainian National Association and my own person, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all delegates and guests to this regular 35th Convention of our venerable organization. This convention takes place for the first time in this new millennium and new century.

It is only the second time in the 108-year history of the UNA that this gathering of all representatives of our membership takes place in Chicago, a city situated farthest west from the location of the majority of our membership.

The Ukrainian community of Chicago is one of the most active ones in the United States. The Ukrainian Village in Chicago, where Ukrainians had settled and still reside in great numbers, as well as the towns surrounding Chicago, are proud of their beautiful Ukrainian churches, cultural centers and successful financial institutions. Here there are active youth, civic and cultural institutions capable of satisfying the many spiritual needs of all Ukrainian Americans. What probably distinguishes the Ukrainians in Illinois from those in other states is their active participation in American political life, their substantial successes and their recognition.

UNA membership in Illinois consists of about 4,500 policyholders. They are united in 17 branches and in the Chicago District Committee. At one time our Chicago branches were the center of all Ukrainian activities in the Ukrainian Village. They owned their club homes, where monthly meetings and many Ukrainian gatherings were held.

The success of every convention, no matter in which city it is held, depends to a great extent on the local Convention Committee consisting of all UNA activists of that area. Therefore, on behalf of the members of the General Assembly and you, the convention delegates, I extend to the chairman of the Chicago Convention Committee, Dr. Myron Kuropas, honorary member of the General Assembly, and to each and every committee member our sincere thanks for their many efforts, diligent work and devotion of their time and experience in order to make this convention a successful and memorable one.

Dear Delegates:

In the history of our association each convention has had the duty to introduce important changes necessary for the benefit of the organization. This convention also will be asked to review many important and urgent matters. New times and new circumstances demand our action. Some of the decisions we will be asked to make will come to us only with a heavy heart, but, as in the past, they will be necessary for the future existence and growth of our society. It is my firm conviction that if we review each important matter with the steadfast determination to make the best decision possible for the benefit of the UNA, the outcome of the deliberations will be positive and will bring only positive results in the future.

So help us, God.

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