Lackawanna County seat is site of anniversary event (09/17/06)

THE 15th ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE

Lackawanna County seat is site of anniversary event

by Paul Ewasko

SCRANTON - On Thursday, August 24, Lackawanna County Commissioners Robert C. Cordaro, A. J. Munchak and Michael J. Washo greeted the citizens of Lackawanna County and the Ukrainian community on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

The well-attended ceremonies took place outdoors at the Lackawanna County Court House Flag Plaza in Central City Scranton, with the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the Ukrainian national anthem, the raising of the flag of Ukraine, and the issuance of the official proclamation declaring August 24, 2006, Ukrainian Independence Day in Lackawanna County.

Remarks were made by Commissioners Cordaro, Munchak and Washo, as well as by the Rev. Mitred Nestor Kowal of St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Parish, the Rev. Paul Wolensky of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Parish and Paul Ewasko, president of the Ukrainian Heritage Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, which sponsors the annual event.

The theme of the day's celebration, coordinated by Vera Krewsun, focused on Ukraine's successful transition to a viable, peace-loving sovereign state that has established exemplary relations with countries throughout the world. Special mention was made of the fact that Ukrainians, wherever they settle, are known for their indestructible spirit of religious, cultural, historical and national identity.

In addition, the day's events acknowledged the huge contribution Ukrainian immigrants and American-born Ukrainians have made to the United States and to Northeastern Pennsylvania in particular.

A luncheon followed at the Radisson Hotel at Lackawanna Station.

In honor of all Ukrainians, the Ukrainian flag will fly at Lackawanna County Court House for one week.

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