FOR THE RECORD: Bush greeting for Shevchenko tribute

Following is the full text of the message sent by President George W. Bush to organizers of the 40th anniversary commemoration of the Taras Shevchenko monument in Washington. The commemoration took place on June 26. The text was sent to The Ukrainian Weekly by the Ukrainian National Information Service on July 1.

I send greetings to those observing the 40th anniversary of the Taras Shevchenko monument in Washington, D.C. The United States appreciates our friendship with a free, democratic, and independent Ukraine as we promote peace and prosperity around the world. We are grateful for Ukrainian American contributions to our nation.

The free flow of ideas is a vital foundation of liberty. And on this special occasion we honor the life and legacy of a Ukrainian national hero, Taras Shevchenko. As an artist and poet, he dedicated himself to a nobel purpose and assumed great personal risk in the cause of freedom.

As the United States works with Ukraine to spread freedom, I appreciate your work to assist Ukraine in conducting free and fair elections this October. I commend the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and others for your efforts to foster community pride and contribute to our nation's rich cultural heritage. Americans join you in remembering the courage, vision and strength of Taras Shevchenko.

Best wishes for a memorable event.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, July 11, 2004, No. 28, Vol. LXXII

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