Ukrainian community to mark 40th anniversary of Shevchenko monument's unveiling

by Bohdanna Urbanovych

WASHINGTON - Four decades ago, on June 27, 1964, the Ukrainian American community marked a significant event: the unveiling of a monument to, "The Great Kobzar," Taras Shevchenko. Dedicated by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and erected thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Ukrainian American community.

The Ukrainian American community will now celebrate this significant milestone 40 years later. Over 100,000 attendees participated 40 years ago in the unveiling of the Taras Shevchenko monument in the nation's capital. The huge gathering succeeded in direct international attention to violations of human rights and freedoms by the Soviet regime and political repressions against those who struggled for Ukraine's liberation.

This year, on the initiative of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), a national commemorative committee was formed with the participation of the Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox Churches; the Ukrainian National Association (UNA); the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA); The Washington Group (TWG); the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council; the U.S.-Ukrainian Foundation; TWG Cultural Fund; the youth organizations SUM and Plast; Ukrainian federal credit unions; the Ukrainian Saturday school system, as well as other Ukrainian civic organizations - to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Shevchenko Monument's dedication.

In addition to the national commemorative committee, an honorary committee comprising the hierarchs of Ukrainian churches, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States Mykhailo Reznik, and the president of the Ukrainian World Congress has been formed.

Members of the U.S. Congress and representatives from the Bush administration, as well as members of the Verkhovna Rada and the government of Ukraine have been invited to participate in the commemoration.

The manifestation will take place in the square near the Shevchenko monument located at 22nd and P Streets NW on Saturday, June 26, at 4 pm. The commemoration will begin with the laying of the flowers at the foot of the monument followed by an ecumenical memorial service (panakhyda) concelebrated by the Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox hierarchy. Performances by artists from Ukraine and the United States, including the Dumka Chorus will follow opening remarks and an introduction of honored guests. During the festivities, the square near the monument will be closed to traffic.

Organizers say the anniversary commemoration is an opportunity to proclaim unity within the Ukrainian American community, as well as to point to its strength as part of American society. The Shevchenko 40th Anniversary Memorial Committee is urging all to attend - particularly younger generations and newly arrived immigrants from Ukraine.

Further inquiries should be addressed to Bohdanna Urbanovych, chairman of the Shevchenko 40th Anniversary Memorial Committee, at [email protected] or to the Ukrainian National Information Service at [email protected].

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 13, 2004, No. 24, Vol. LXXII

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