EDITORIAL: The Ukrainian Weekly at 72 (10/02/05)

EDITORIAL

The Ukrainian Weekly at 72

On October 6 The Ukrainian Weekly turns 72. That's a lot of candles on a birthday cake. But nothing compared to the number of stories this newspaper has published through the years. (Why, just last year The Weekly brought its readers 1,918 articles.)

Through the more than seven decades it has been published, The Weekly has covered myriad developments here within our Ukrainian community in the United States and Canada; U.S., Canadian and other international developments that affect Ukraine and Ukrainians; and, of course, the major news from Ukraine. The latter coverage has been much more effective and, indeed, exceptional since our Kyiv Press Bureau began its work in January of 1991. Think about it: our paper was on the ground in Kyiv when Ukraine proclaimed its independence. That, Dear Readers, was due both to persistence on the part of The Weekly's editors and a bit of lucky timing.

The late Rukh leader Vyacheslav Chornovil wrote in 1993, on the occasion of The Weekly's 60th anniversary: "Your paper is one of the best Ukrainian publications issued outside of Ukraine. In making information on Ukraine accessible to the English-speaking world, it has contributed to Ukraine's achievement of independence and world recognition." In fact, The Weekly will go down in history as the first foreign newspaper to establish a bureau in Kyiv.

We can't help but be proud of our paper's illustrious history, which was made possible by visionaries who brought this newspaper into existence, including activists of the Ukrainian National Association and Editor-in-Chief Luke Myshuha of Svoboda, our sister publication. The Weekly's anniversary is a fitting time to pay tribute to these leaders who understood that an English-language newspaper could accomplish two very important tasks: reach beyond the Ukrainian community to tell the truth about Ukraine and its people, and keep a new generation of Ukrainians who no longer were fluent in the Ukrainian language involved in Ukrainian affairs.

We also recall all the dedicated staffers of this paper, beginning with its pioneering editor, Stephen Shumeyko. Each and every member of The Weekly's editorial staff has contributed to making this paper what it is. Since its first issue rolled off the presses way back on October 6, 1933, The Weekly has undergone many changes to keep up with the times and the needs of its readers. That simply could not have been done without first-rate editors who were willing to work selflessly for the Ukrainian cause.

Our birthday is also a wonderful time to express thanks to our champions - most importantly our loyal subscribers, including some who have read this paper since its founding. Because the income from subscription fees alone cannot cover the costs of producing this paper, we must also thank our advertisers, who help with the bottom line, and donors to The Ukrainian Weekly Press Fund, who in 2004 alone contributed a very appreciated $30,715 in very tangible support of our work.

As a parting note, we must underscore that, as The Weekly celebrates its 72nd anniversary, it also celebrates the continuation of the UNA's tradition of caring for its members and our Ukrainian community. Simply put, there would be no Ukrainian Weekly without the UNA, a fraternal organization that deserves the support of all our community members.

We are proud to be a part of the Ukrainian National Association's long history of service, and - with the help of our supporters and the UNA - The Ukrainian Weekly, at age 72, looks ahead to serving new generations of readers.

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