Turning the pages back...

March 20, 1983

Back in 1983, when the Ukrainian community was observing the solemn 50th anniversary of the Great Famine of 1932-1933, The Ukrainian Weekly published a special issue dedicated to that genocide. Among its features was a section of letters written by ethnic and community leaders on the occasion of the Famine's 50th anniversary. The letters were the result of a February 15 meeting, which was organized by the Illinois Consultation on Ethnicity in Education and moderated by UNA Vice-President Myron B. Kuropas, in commemoration of this genocide of the Ukrainian nation.

Edwin Cudecki, chair of the Illinois Consultation on Ethnicity in Education, wrote:

"Along with many of my colleagues in diverse ethnic communities, I am writing to assure you that I will work to make people aware of the great human tragedy that befell Soviet Ukraine 50 years ago this winter.

"America is a nation of many nations. Unfortunately, in an effort to enter the mainstream, some groups may have unwittingly sacrificed their greatest treasure, their history. By keeping the past hidden, we deny all Americans access to the lessons that only we can teach.

"By confronting all Americans with the memory of Stalin's man-made Famine, Ukrainian Americans are committing an act of faith in themselves and in us. We recognize our obligation to join with you and your people in sharing this tragic aspect of your history, so that events like the Famine never happen again. This is the lesson that we must learn to teach others from your history. ..."

Source: "Ethnic, community leaders on Famine," The Ukrainian Weekly, March 20, 1983.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, March 13, 2005, No. 11, Vol. LXXIII

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