Honoring the memory of Chornobyl victims (05/09/04)

Statement by Ukrainian Congress Committee of America

Honoring the memory of Chornobyl victims

Eighteen years ago, on April 26, 1986, the most horrible industrial cataclysm in human history took place in Ukraine. The arrogant attitude of the Communist government caused an explosion at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP), the consequences of which will haunt Ukraine for millennia.

On the 18th anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy, let us remember those who died on the scene of the accident as well as those who suffered from radiation fallout. The Ukrainian Con-gress Committee of America (UCCA), as the main representative organization of the Ukrainian American community, calls on all Ukrainians in the United States to hold commemorative events for all victims of the Chornobyl accident.

We must also remember those who caused this incredible evil, which damaged millions of lives. The totalitarian regime of the former Soviet Union covered up this explosion and consciously endangered the health and lives of millions of people.

The people of Ukraine will be affected by the consequences of Chornobyl for many centuries. The Ukrainian American community must do everything in its power to contain the consequences of the Chornobyl catastrophe in the exclusion zone around it and, most importantly, help the Ukrainian people to receive international support in stabilizing and neutralizing all possible dangers in the "Shelter" unit around the fourth unit of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant.

On behalf of the UCCA Executive Board:
Michael Sawkiw, Jr., president
Marie Duplak, executive secretary

(Editor's note: The UCCA statement, though dated April 26 was received at The Ukrainian Weekly on May 3.)

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