THE 1970s - A LOOK BACK: America's 200th, our 100th (12/30/79)

THE 1970s - A LOOK BACK

America's 200th, our 100th

On July 4, 1976, one of the largest nationwide air, land and sea spectacles in the history of the United States marked the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution. Americans of all walks of life, native-born and foreign-born, participated in a yearlong birthday party celebrating American freedom.

Amid that giant party, Ukrainian Americans, showing pride in their heritage and in being part of the American mosaic, also observed the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian settlement in the United States. With parades, concerts, cultural displays, festivals and numerous publications, Ukrainian Americans showed their fellow citizens what their contributions to America have been. On a national level, the celebration was coordinated by the Ukrainian Bicentennial Committee of America, headed by Joseph Lesawyer. Local Ukrainian committees sprouted across the country and our community.

The culmination of the festivities was a weeklong program in Washington, D.C., which included a meeting between White House officials and Ukrainian youth, a scholarly symposium, a concert, a parade and a Liturgy at Arlington National Cemetery. Over 6,000 persons took part in the celebration in Washington.

The observances in the nation's capital were not the first nor the last that year. Communities in New York, Philadelphia, Shamokin, Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, Connecticut, Buffalo, Passaic, Youngstown, Los Angeles, Jersey City, St. Petersburg and Pittsburgh - to name just a few - picked up the banner and saluted America in their own unique way, reasserting their presence on the American scene.

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