Philadelphia rolls out the red carpet for president and first lady of Ukraine (09/25/05)

Philadelphia rolls out the red carpet for president and first lady of Ukraine

by Stasia Bohacz
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly

PHILADELPHIA - Hollywood took a holiday on September 17 because its two main residents, glitz and glamour, were in Philadelphia to roll out the red carpet for Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko and First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko.

A dinner gala was held in their honor by the Philadelphia Foundation, which earlier in the day awarded Mr. Yushchenko the Liberty Medal. The event was appropriately held in the National Constitution Center on Constitution Day.

Five hundred fifty people turned out resplendent in their finery to welcome Ukraine's first couple. Guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres in the center's first tier, while the president and first lady attended a VIP reception in the center's Signer's Hall. It was followed by a tour of the Constitution Center guided by it's director, Richard Stengel.

A selection of music performed by the Ukraina combined choir entertained revelers before guests were ushered to the second tier overlook for dinner at sunset. Special theatrical lighting splashed bursts of color on the center's ceiling.

The evening's event broke with tradition and did not have a head table; instead, President and Mrs. Yushchenko dined with their supporters.

At the president's request, those seated at his table represented the local Ukrainian community and the Philadelphia Foundation. His entourage and dignitaries were seated elsewhere.

Philadelphia Foundation Chairman H. Craig Lewis offered a toast and introduced the evening's host, Mr. Stengel.

The evening's menu was American with a Ukrainian twist. It opened with a delicate appetizer of prepared cabbage and lean kovbasa topped with a tiny varenyk. The entrée: beef filet, Chicken Kiev and grilled vegetables, was followed by a fluffy chocolate mousse cake topped with fresh berries.

Toasts were offered between courses. Among them was a toast by Ulana Mazurkevich, chair of both the Ukrainian Human Rights Committee and the Committee to Welcome Yushchenko. The latter committee was made up of 40 organizations and institutions.

Ms. Mazurkevich stood on the stage before a window looking out on America's most historic square mile. Referencing Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, Ms. Mazurkevich spoke to those gathered and reminded them that for many decades they gathered on the square below, demonstrating to demand human rights in Ukraine, freedom for Ukrainian political prisoners, and freedom for Ukraine. She said that all their prayers and dreams have now been fulfilled. The toast was offered to thunderous applause and cheers.

The evening was laced with songs performed by the Ukraina choir. A special treat for the diners was a dance performance by ballerina Christina Shevchenko.

Of course, the ultimate moment of the evening came when the first couple took to the stage. Mrs. Yushchenko, who favors Ukrainian designers, was dressed in a stunning but simple dark blue gown trimmed in shimmering beads.

Framed by America's symbols of freedom and independence, President Yushchenko thanked those in attendance for their support. In a very relaxed demeanor, Mr. Yushchenko thanked those gathered for their warm reception and reminded them that there is still much work to be done in Ukraine.

After his brief comments, he invited his wife to share some words. She spoke in English, inviting businesspeople to invest in Ukraine and the country's future, and tourist to visit the many attractions. She asked people to continue coming to Ukraine and assured them of the country's warm welcome.

The president's scheduled departure was 9 p.m. and the entire evening was to conclude at 9:30 p.m. Clearly the warmth of the reception was too great to cut short - the first couple stayed until nearly 11:30 p.m. A crowd waving orange glow sticks while singing farewell with tears in their eyes and knots in their throats sent them on their way.

Glitz and glamour returned to Hollywood with their red carpet tinted a decided shade of Orange.

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