Marking the fifth Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence (09/22/96)

Marking the fifth Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence

UCC Regina commemoration highlighted by banquet

by Edward Klopoushak

REGINA, Saskatchewan - Members of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Regina Branch, on August 23 celebrated fifth anniversary of Ukraine's Declaration of Independence .

The commemorations began with a special flag-raising ceremony at City Hall. After introductory remarks by Eugene Krenosky, UCC Regina president, Dr. Peter Woroby spoke about the recent history of Ukraine's move to independence. That was followed by the raising of Ukraine's flag by Dr. Woroby, which flew along with the flags of Canada, Saskatchewan and Regina. All in attendance then joined in singing the Ukrainian national anthem, "Shche Ne Vmerla Ukraina."

In the evening about 150 people gathered at the Saskatchewan Center to commemorate Independence Day with a banquet followed by a dance. At the banquet, emceed by Dr. Edward Klopoushak, past president of the UCC Regina, dignitaries brought greetings on behalf of the city, the province and UCC Saskatchewan Provincial Council.

Written messages were read on behalf of the federal government, President Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine and Oleh Romaniw, UCC national president in Winnipeg.

The Rt. Rev. Rudolph Luzney of St. Basil Ukrainian Catholic Church opened the banquet with a prayer and invocation, and the Very Rev. Nicholas Czurak of the Descent of the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church closed the evening with a prayer.

The guest speaker was Ostap Skrypnyk, executive director of UCC Saskatchewan. Mr. Skrypnyk very appropriately spoke of Canada's, and especially Saskatchewan's, ties with Ukraine. He pointed out how endeavors benefit not only Ukraine but the people of Saskatchewan and Canada. "As we assist Ukraine in developing its economy, resources and industry, we, the Canadians providing the assistance, derive benefits from our activities," he said.

Mr. Skrypnyk pointed out how Canada led the nations of the world in recognizing Ukraine after its Declaration of Independence; he also indicated that Saskatchewan led all Canadian provinces in developing ties with the Ukrainian nation. Now other provinces are looking to Saskatchewan to learn how to develop and strengthen economic initiatives with Ukraine.

Mr. Skrypnyk explained how the Saskatchewan government moved quickly to establish an advisor on Ukrainian matters, Dr. Woroby, a retired economics professor. Later the Saskatchewan government, led by Premier Roy Romanow, a descendant of Ukrainian pioneers, established the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Advisory Committee with Dr. Woroby as its first chairman. The committee, with members from across the province, brought the government a proposal called "The Plan of Action." The Saskatchewan government is using this plan as its guide to further develop relations with Ukraine.

The celebrations took on a light tone through entertainment by singer/violinist Daria Bilash-Watkin of Winnipeg. Everyone was most appreciative of her rendering of traditional and modern Ukrainian music.

After closing remarks by Mr. Krenosky and a benediction, the group rendered an enthusiastic "Shche Ne Vmerla Ukraina." The dance that followed was a pleasant conclusion to a grand day of celebration.

On August 24, UCC Regina, together with the Leader Post (Regina's daily newspaper), sponsored a one-page presentation that included the mayor's proclamation declaring August 24 Ukrainian Freedom and Independence Day. Several businesses, Ukrainian organizations and churches helped pay the cost of the page. A brief history outlining Ukraine' struggles for freedom and independence, written by Evan Ostryzniuk, was a feature of the page.

South Florida celebrates with song and dance

by Karyn O. Maksymowich

MIAMI - The South Florida Ukrainian community was no dlfferent than any other Ukrainian community in the world on August 25, because it gathered to pay tribute to the fifth year of freedom of Ukraine and its people. The celebration of Ukraine's independence has become the highlight of Ukrainians' national observances throughout the year, and together the organizations from the South Florida area put on a program to commemorate this momentous occasion.

The program was opened by Michael Iwaskewycz, president of the Ukrainian American Club of Miami, who welcomed all to the day's proceedings. The presentation of colors, the flags of Ukraine and the United States was performed by longtime community members Ted Krasnoselsky and Roman Balaban, followed by the singing of the national anthem of the United States of America. The invocation was delivered by the Rev. Paul Edwards, principal of St. Brendan Catholic School and chaplain for the Ukrainian American Club of Miami for 1996-1997.

The first speaker of the program was Daniel Krysa, committee chairman for the event, who delivered an address in English. A former high school social studies teacher, Mr. Krysa passionately recounted many of the events in the past 80 years that led up to Ukraine's declaration of independence just five years ago.

Next on the program was a vocal solo by Donna Maksymowich-Waskiewicz, artistic director of the Ukrainian Dancers of Miami, co-director of the Assumption B.V.M. Catholic Church Choir, and former president of the Ukrainian American Club of Miami. Mrs. Maksymowich -Waskiewicz's rendition of "Volya," accompanied by guitarist Walter Lotocky, brought a happy tear to many eyes.

The next speaker was Dr. Nicholas Chirovsky, who spoke in Ukrainian on the various stages that Ukraine underwent through the years, leading up to its recognition as a political power in the world. Most significant, he said was that all this was achieved without war or bloodshed. Irene Rakush, one of the most active and influential women for many years among the Ukrainians of South Florida, then beautifully delivered a dramatic recitation of "Ukraine" by Mykola Shcherbak.

The final presentation was by the youngest performers of the Ukrainian Dancers of Miami, whose dancers come from all over South Florida and who are now entering their 47th season. The audience was enchanted by the children, as young as 3 years old, who performed six dances in traditional costumes. It was the perfect ending to the commemoration of Ukraine's independence, for if in our youth lies our future, then the future of Ukraine is certain to be a fruitful one.

The program was concluded with the singing of the national anthem of Ukraine, followed by a champagne toast and a rousing "Mnohaya Lita" to make the fifth year of Ukraine's independence a true celebration.

Essex County, N.J., sheriff's department proclaims Ukrainian Independence Day

Armando B. Fontoura, sheriff of Essex County, welcomes a Ukrainian delegation on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of Ukrainian independence and the passage of the Ukrainian Constitution. August 24 was proclaimed Ukrainian Independence Day in the Essex County Sheriff's Department. From left are: Walter Kulmatycky, Sheriff Fontoura, Michael Matiash and Roman J. Pyndus.