Regensburg high school students meet at reunion at Soyuzivka (07/25/99)

Regensburg high school students meet at reunion at Soyuzivka

by Bohdan Z. Malaniak

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - "Our Youth is Not Eternal" and "If only one more time." These were the banners under which another 10th reunion of former students and friends of the Ukrainian High School in Regensburg took place on June 20-24. Once more Soyuzivka, the Ukrainian National Association estate in Kerhonkson, N.Y., hosted the event.

The reunions started 10 years after the high school and the displaced persons camp known as Ganghoffersiedlung, on the outskirts of the beautiful city of Regensburg, Germany, were closed in 1949. The students had pledged to reunite somewhere in 10 years, no matter where they were living at that time. And so they did. Ten years later in September 1959, the first reunion took place at Soyuzivka. Since 1959 the "Regensburgtsi," as they are referred to, got together 10 times (eight reunions including this one at Soyuzivka, and two at Verkhovyna, the Ukrainian Fraternal Association estate in Glen Spey, N.Y.)

This reunion was a special one, but then every reunion is a special one. What's so special? For some 80 people who went to school together more than 50 years ago, well, let me tell you, it's a magnificent feeling, a recollection of exciting memories of youth, love and respect for each other. Each time I go, I say to myself this is the last time. Yet, after a couple of weeks of rest and rehabilitation, we begin to plan the next reunion.

As we were saying good-bye this year a decision was reached that from now on we will meet once a year, or at least once every two years. We also are considering a reunion in Regensburg itself in November 2000 (we still must vote on this).

The 10th reunion started with the usual first day of staying up until 3 a.m. (it's hard to believe that such a "young" group allows itself to abuse their bodies until 2 or 3 a.m.).

The second day we attended a liturgy, remembering those who are departed. This time the list had grown considerably. The liturgy was officiated by the Very Rev. Roman Hankewych, who is married to one of our former schoolmates, and the sermon was delivered by the father of our dear colleague, the Very Rev. Emil Sharanevych, who resided in Regensburg as a displaced person. The absence of faculty was noted, although we still have two teachers who are alive and well: Prof. Matej Meleshko and Wolodymyr Procyk.

The second day ended with a banquet that included entertainment by a representative of each class and special guests. This time yours truly sang, for the first and last time, with his sister Nadia Oransky. We sang a song well-known to everyone, "A Molodist Ne Vernetsia" ("Our youth is not eternal"). A standing ovation followed. I wonder why?

This year we had a wonderful surprise in the first-time visits to our reunion from Capetown, South Africa, by Borys Witjas and from Mexico by Leon Ryshawy. Nina (Ses') Martchenko came from England to her second reunion.

We also met the children of those present at our reunion, as well as the children of colleagues who are departed. We thank you all for being with us and seeking stories about your beloved parents. We also thank you for spending time with us and filling us in on the lives of your loved ones.

What would the reunion be without a campfire, which usually takes place on the third day of our get-together? This year there was a big disappointment, as a campfire was not allowed due to new fire regulations. However, with the help of the resourceful staff of Soyuzivka, a lovely "bonfire" was erected on the deck of the Veselka, minus the real stuff but with amber lighting using light bulbs.

After some 35 songs and 50 jokes, we circled the bonfire and finished with our favorite scout song, "Day is done, the sun is gone, from the lake to the hills to the stream, all the world safely rests..." Slowly, those who lasted until almost midnight quietly proceeded to their quarters to get ready for early breakfast the next day and "one last farewell before we meet again."

Special thanks go to the members of the organizing committee, especially Luba (Hurko) Bodnar, Ludmyla (Yarko) Pochtar, Oksana Teodyrowycz, Vasyl Luchkiw and Dmytro Bodnarczuk.

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