UPA veterans' reunion in Rochester recalls fallen brethren (11/12/06)

UPA veterans' reunion in Rochester recalls fallen brethren

by Christina Kotlar

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - According to military history dating back to the Kozak era, October 14 was a religious holy day venerating the Holy Protectress as the guardian of the Kozaks when they went into battle. In keeping with tradition, Former Members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army reunited on October 14-15 and honored the 64th anniversary of the beginnings of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) - with the Holy Protectress as their patron - and the memories of their fallen brothers-in-arms in the UPA and the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN).

The reunion took place in the hall of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Rochester, N.Y., and the small group of mostly octogenarians convened a meeting according to their organization's protocols. Before reading the minutes and opening the floor for reports and discussions, a moment of silence for deceased members hung heavily in the air.

The demise of an organization that had financially supported UPA veterans in Ukraine was announced. Since the 1950s, this cooperative of the UPA veterans' branches raised over $500,000 through its annual caroling drive. But due to their dwindling numbers and aging membership, the organization disbanded.

Nonetheless, the Former Members of the UPA upheld a decision to continue their annual caroling drive for the support of Ukrainian veterans. They also funded a new volume of the Litopys UPA (Chronicles of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army) that now numbers 60 volumes. This is the most comprehensive collection of primary source material assembled and dedicated to a subject of continuous interest and controversy.

The UPA veterans also agreed to retain their quarterly letter to members as a way of staying in touch and to meet annually - less formally and on a more sociable level - that would include spouses and other family members. This led to a discussion about a fledgling organization that some younger participants had expressed interest in developing: Friends of UPA. The group's intention is to promote knowledge and understanding of the history of UPA to future Ukrainian generations as well as the non-Ukrainian general public.

The organizing committee for Friends of UPA includes Christina Kotlar, New York/New Jersey, Vera Migus Mysak, Toronto; and Irene Adamczuk Siolkowsky, Rochester, N.Y.

Afterwards, the mood turned jovial with hearty jokes and conversation. A true camaraderie enveloped the entire room and soon voices united to sing patriotic songs.

The following day, the veterans and their families attended Sunday liturgy followed by a panakhyda, a memorial service honoring their fallen brethren.

Later, the UPA veterans and friends enjoyed a communal lunch at a local Chinese restaurant.

For more information about Friends of UPA readers may contact Christina Kotlar at [email protected].

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