Five receive 2004 Shevchenko Freedom Awards at UCCA conclave (10/03/04)

Five receive 2004 Shevchenko Freedom Awards at UCCA conclave

by Andrew Nynka

PHILADELPHIA - The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America presented five of its prestigious Shevchenko Freedom Awards during the 19th Congress of Ukrainians in America here.

Renowned Ukrainian actor Jack Palance, Bishop Basil Losten of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Rep. Curt Weldon on behalf of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, Ukrainian National Association activist and author Myron Kuropas and retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Nicholas Krawciw were presented with Shevchenko Freedom Awards during the Congress.

The awards dinner on Saturday, September 25, included a notable performance by Mr. Palance, who knocked out a few push-ups in front of the congressman, the head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and other prominent religious leaders.

While accepting his award, the showman, who slowly made his way to the podium with the help of a cane, cautiously knelt down, telling the crowd in Ukrainian: "I don't know if I can still do this."

As guests pleaded with the 84-year-old actor not to make the attempt, Mr. Palance made his way to the ground in front of 203 people to do several one-armed push ups. When he finished he rose back to his feet and, in Ukrainian again, said, "Next year I'll do more."

The final speaker that night, Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, came to the microphone following Mr. Palance's performance to deliver a keynote address. "I hope that you will not ask of me that I sing or that I raise myself on one arm," the cardinal said.

The Shevchenko Freedom Award is given to Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians alike who "have dedicated their time and effort to realize the prophetic aspirations of Taras Shevchenko and the goal of freedom for Ukraine," an UCCA statement said of the award.

Mr. Palance was presented with his award "for his commitment and devotion to maintaining and preserving the Ukrainian heritage" and "for his promotion of issues affecting the Ukrainian nation, in particular the Ukrainian Genocide of 1932-1933, as well as cultural issues," UCCA President Michael Sawkiw Jr. said.

During his remarks, Cardinal Husar took a more serious note and addressed the congress's overall theme. "The years have shown us that in unity there is strength," he said.

"Those of you who live in the diaspora should know that Ukraine needs you and be very, very aware of this," Cardinal Husar said.

"We need to be realistic. Ukraine started its independence 13 years ago, but it started with much baggage and there is much work left to be done," the cardinal said. He stressed the need in Ukraine for a moral compass with regard to family life.

In accepting the award on behalf of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, Mr. Weldon spoke about his introduction to Ukraine as a child while living in Pennsylvania. Mr. Weldon said that because of the introduction and his efforts in college to further familiarize himself with Ukraine, he came to Congress "aware of the issues surrounding Ukraine's past and present."

He added that still more work needed to be done. "We have not done enough with the Rada. We have not established a regular dialogue," Mr. Weldon said, referring to the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus's video teleconferences with members of the Verkhovna Rada in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian caucus received an award "for the caucus's commitment to pursuing steadfast relations with Ukraine in recognition of Ukraine's vital importance to the peace and security of the European continent" and "for the caucus's keen understanding and close working relationship with the Ukrainian American community," Mr. Sawkiw said.

Dr. Kuropas was presented with the award "for his commitment to the preservation of the Ukrainian heritage in the United States" and "for his efforts in the promotion of unity in the Ukrainian American community."

And, Bishop Losten was given the Shevchenko Freedom Award for his "long-standing and unwavering devotion for the future development and spiritual guidance of the Ukrainian Catholic Church" and "for his support and tireless efforts to unite the Ukrainian American community into a vibrant diaspora," Mr. Sawkiw said.

In presenting the award to Mr. Krawciw, on Friday afternoon, Mr. Sawkiw said the retired general was being recognized "for his outstanding record of support for Ukraine's drive for independence and the successful advancement and reform of its military" and "for his efforts to achieve significant progress in the promotion of U.S.-Ukraine and NATO-Ukraine relations."

The congress and dinner were held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, just blocks away from the city's historic City Hall. Saturday's formal banquet concluded with a dance as the band Novyi Den played for guests.

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