THE 12th ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE: Rockland County, N.Y. (09/28/03)

THE 12th ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE

Rockland County, N.Y.

by Vasyl Luchkiw

NEW CITY, N.Y. - The local newspaper article published on Friday, August 21 - "Ukrainians to mark independence; residents prepare to celebrate the nation's 12 years of liberty" - informed readers about the area's Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations. This may account for the fact that, in spite of this being the last week of summer vacations there were more non-Ukrainian participants than anticipated.

Sunday, August 24, began with a liturgy for Ukraine and its people, followed by a panakhyda (requiem service) for all who died in fighting for independent Ukraine. Both services were offered by the Rev. Ivan Bilyk, a visiting priest from Ukraine, at Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Spring Valley, N.Y.

In his sermon, the Rev. Bilyk left the congregation with the idea, that, despite all adversaries, Ukraine is "alive and steadily moving toward establishing itself as a leading democracy in Eastern Europe." He underscroed, "We must have patience and faith in our God, our Ukraine and our Ukrainian people."

After liturgy, all participants gathered on the grounds of the Rockland County legislative complex in New City, N.Y., for a flag-raising ceremony. Michael Wengrenovich, a member of Ukrainian American Veterans Post 19, led participants in singing American and Ukrainian national anthems. During the singing of the Ukrainian anthem, Vasyl Szozda, commander of UAV Post 19, and Joseph Brega, past national commander of the UAV, raised the Ukrainian national flag.

Dr. Vasyl Luchkiw, member of the Ukrainian National Association General Assembly and chairman of this event, delivered the keynote address in the English and Ukrainian languages. He recalled that on that memorable August 24, 1991, he was in Ukraine and shared his memories of the day with the audience.

"It is difficult to describe my fillings of that day. Euphoria, disbelief, tears, laughter, prayers, happiness, pride and joy - all mashed into one huge celebrations," Dr. Luchkiw said.

He called upon leading democratic countries of the world to help Ukraine conquer its present crises. "Ukraine is not looking for handouts. Ukraine is looking for economic partnerships. Ukraine's geopolitical importance to the stability of Europe can no longer be ignored by those who are responsible for the stability not only of Europe, but of the entire world," he concluded.

Rockland county Legislator Theodore Dusanenko, who is of Ukrainian descent, in his remarks underscored the importance of loyalty and respect to ones roots. He urged Ukrainian American youngsters to get involved in the U.S. politics, for this is one of the most important avenues to help Ukraine.

The next day, the local news media carried a rather extensive account of the celebration, as well as interviews with Peter Duda, leading member of our community and Dr. Luchkiw. The centerpiece of the article was a color picture of Mr. Duda's two children, Mykola, 7, and Theresa, 5, dressed in traditional Ukrainian costumes.

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