FOR THE RECORD: UWC message on the anniversary of the conclusion of World War II (05/01/05)

FOR THE RECORD

UWC message on the anniversary of the conclusion of World War II

On May 9, 2005, many will observe the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. Preparations are being made in Moscow and Kyiv. The president of Ukraine has suggested that he would be traveling during this time, perhaps a day before, to Moscow to share in the celebrations there. The president of the United States has scheduled a visit to Moscow specifically for May 9.

While the demise of the Nazi War machine should be accepted with much satisfaction, nevertheless within the context of the aftermath, any celebration is inappropriate. The end of World War II and the infamous Yalta Treaty several months earlier brought about very little peace; rather, it brought additional pain and suffering to millions who found themselves betrayed by the Allies, languishing within the confines of a different empire but equal to, if not more vicious, than the Nazis. Operation Keelhaul brought about the extermination of some 3 million Soviet nationals. Allied acquiescence in Soviet hegemony over most of Eastern Europe and Asia resulted in an additional 40 to 45 years of Soviet tyranny.

For Ukrainians in Ukraine or in other countries of the world, May 9 should be an occasion to honor its martyrs - those who perished prior to the war, during it and after. We should be reminded that some 75 percent of Soviet political prisoners in the period following World War II were of Ukrainian origin. We should be reminded that the Ukrainian Catholic Church was liquidated by the Soviets in 1946 and that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was merged with Stalin's creation, the Russian Orthodox Church. We should be reminded that while the Nazis were responsible for some 20 million lives lost, the Communists were to blame for 100 million deaths. We should be reminded, as many historians claim, that no nation on earth had more victims than the Ukrainian nation.

We urge our membership to commemorate the tragic aftermath of World War II on May 9, 2005, through requiem observances, liturgies and wakes to remember those who fought in different uniforms but with independent Ukraine in their hearts. Similarly, we call upon our member-organizations to educate their governments about Soviet repressions and Communist evils. Finally, we urge the president of Ukraine to cancel his trip to Moscow as Moscow symbolizes the tragedy of the Ukrainian people, their pain and suffering for 45 years following the specious victory of May 9.

For the Ukrainian World Congress:
Askold Lozynskyj, president
Victor Pedenko, secretary-general

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