Ukrainian Rochesterians celebrate their centennial
by Elaine Royer
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Autumns in upstate New York, sparkle and sing: the sun has lost its fierce heat but diffused by billowy clouds, shines through crisp, leaf-scented footballs and frisbees in front yards, and lawnmowers buzz with the last chores of the year. On September 20, this sun and song reverberated through the Irondequoit neighborhood as hundreds of Ukrainian Americans, friends and dignitaries joined to dedicate a park celebrating the centennial of the Ukrainian community in this upstate area of New York.
That Saturday morning was quintessential America: flags, flowers, songs, invocations, speeches, citations - all the pomp and circumstance and small-town charm that have marked important events since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
And what made this event so special? A group of people gathered to pay homage to the forefathers who adopted America as their homeland. By sharing rich heritage and traditions with the Rochester community, they have preserved their unique cultural and historical legacy for future generations.
How appropriate that the day should dawn so beautifully: the event commemorated a joyous people marking a historic milestone: 100 years ago the first Ukrainian settler arrived in Rochester. Overhead, flags of both nations snapped in the breeze, as ladies in embroidered blouses, beribboned children, and men with medals and sashes mingled excitedly, speaking both Ukrainian and English.
The focus of attention dominated the west side of the lawn: the monument itself, draped impressively until the moment of unveiling. Anticipation mounted as the crowd quieted to view the presentation of colors, to hear the anthems of Ukraine and America, to remember past generations and victims of 9/11, to greet the guests and dignitaries, which included religious leaders, the centennial committee, the production team, state senators, and county and town legislators.
Among the officials present were David Schantz, Irondequoit town supervisor; Michael Spang, director of parks and recreation; and Bishop Basil Losten of the Stamford Eparchy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Finally, the moment arrived: the drapes descended, revealing the monument designed by Oleh Lesiuk, blessed by the sun and serenaded with the religious hymn "Bozhe Velykyj." The graceful, harmonious composition tells a story of a people who have preserved their unique spiritual, professional, commercial, artistic and humanitarian heritage, while supporting the ideals of freedom and justice in their adopted land.
At the monument's outer edges black granite sweeping waves symbolizing the two countries reach dramatically toward each other, as the Ukrainian people traversed the swells of the ocean to seek freedom on the other side, the United States. But the eye does not rest in those black crests long, for in between, stretching sunward, soar three majestic bronze cranes, those intelligent, enduring birds popular in Ukrainian music and folklore, depicting the family as the foundation of society.
As testimony to the gratitude of these immigrants and the dedication of this community, shrubbery, trees, benches and 2,000 engraved bricks enhanced the promenade at the base of the monument, beckoning visitors to stroll, sit and reflect on the triumph of both body and spirit.
Another significant addition remains: a copper time capsule that will hold remembrances of Ukrainians' contributions to their new homeland.
This project stands as a testament to the quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt: "If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationship, the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world."
As the celebration continued, accompanied by the Irondequoit Concert Band, generations of immigrant families presented baskets of flowers, illustrating the four waves of immigration.
A poem, titled "Gentle Footsteps," written by Dr. Christine Hoshowsky, and read by Joseph Fischer, reminded all that no matter what one's nationality, we "bequeath our gentle footsteps in mutual friendship and good fortune - today, tomorrow and through all time."
Presentation of the greetings and proclamations from President George W. Bush, New York Gov. George Pataki, Acting Chief of Mission Volodymyr Yatsenkivskiy of Ukraine's Embassy to the U.S., Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Metropolitan Constantine of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., U.S. Reps. Thomas Reynolds and Louise Slaughter, Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, Rep. James T. Walsh, Monroe County Clerk Maggie Brooks, Greece Town Supervisor John Auberger, marked the commemoration of the Ukrainian American Centennial in Rochester, N.Y.
After keynote speeches by Sen. Michael Nozzolio and James Alesi, the audience adjourned to a reception as balloons sailed skyward to the strains of "God Bless America." Thus, the celebration crescendoed as it began - amidst sun and song.
Following the formality of speeches, patriotic songs and official greetings, the people eased into wandering around the monument, picture-taking, casual conversations and tasting a variety of hors d'oeurves. It was evident that the audience was pleased with the successful efforts of the Centennial Committee.
The Centennial Committee - whose members are Roman Kucil, chairman; Dr. Nataliya Shulga, vice-chairwoman; Frank Wowkowych, vice-chairman; Dr. Christine Hoshowsky, historian; Jerry Andrushko, treasurer; Alex Loj, public relations; and Lydia Dzus, secretary - continues its work in preparing the time capsule about Ukrainians in Rochester, a commemorative brochure and a historical video.
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, December 7, 2003, No. 49, Vol. LXXI
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