Forty years ago, on November 29, 1979, U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Addabbo (D-N.Y.) delivered a statement from the floor of the House of Representatives, noting that the Ukrainian National Association was marking its 85th anniversary, an “anniversary of faith, reason and understanding.”
Rep. Addabbo underscored the UNA’s history and reputation as among the most revered fraternal benefit societies in the world, as it recently celebrated its 85th anniversary with a banquet celebration in New York.
“…Since its inception the UNA has been deeply interested in the status of Ukraine and in the aspirations of its people for freedom and independence. Founded on February 22, 1894, in Shamokin, Pa., by a civic-minded group of Ukrainian pioneer immigrants, the UNA has blossomed into a national organization [… and in] Canada. “This multifaceted organization promotes cultural, educational, social, athletic and community activities designed to benefit all Ukrainian Americans as well as their compatriots living in Canada and scores of other nations.”
Rep. Addabbo also highlighted the UNA’s role in providing invaluable assistance to the Ukrainian people: in their struggle against Communist oppression, especially the defense of human rights as championed by President Jimmy Carter, including aid and defense of imprisoned Ukrainian dissidents and Ukrainian Helsinki Union members, as well as the initiation of the erection of the Taras Shevchenko Monument in Washington and the establishment of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute.
Additional highlights, noted by Rep. Addabbo, focused on the UNA’s role in the publication of the first Ukrainian encyclopedia in the English language, its newspapers – Svoboda (at the time a daily) and The Ukrainian Weekly – as well as a monthly bilingual illustrated children’s magazine, Veselka.
“At a time when events around the world are constantly changing and shaping the lives of its members, UNA has shown and will continue to show uncanny ability to meet those challenges head-on, improving the lives of thousands everywhere,” stated Rep. Addabbo, who called on his colleagues to salute the UNA and its members on the occasion of its 85th anniversary. “On this joyous occasion I urge you and my colleagues to join in saluting the UNA and its members throughout the world.”
This year, the UNA marks its 125th anniversary with concerts and events to celebrate this milestone in its history.
Source: “Rep. Addabbo cites UNA’s 85th in Congress,” The Ukrainian Weekly, December 9, 1979.