UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Celebrations around the U.S. (09/24/00)

UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Celebrations around the U.S.

Maplewood, N.J.

by Andrew Keybida

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. - Mayor Gerard W. Ryan on August 1 signed and read a proclamation, approved by the Maplewood Township Committee, designating August 24 as Ukrainian Independence Day in honor of the ninth anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

Mayor Ryan greeted the Ukrainian Americans assembled at Maplewood Town Hall and stated that the Township Committee members and he want to pay tribute to Americans of Ukrainian heritage who have made important contributions to the political, economic and cultural life in Maplewood.

After reading the proclamation, Mayor Ryan ordered that the blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag fly in front of Town Hall alongside the American flag to "pay tribute to the Ukrainian people for their courage in the struggle for freedom and independence of Ukraine."

Maplewood resident Sir Andrew Keybida, a papal knight of St. Gregory the Great and past recipient of the Maplewood Civic Association's Maple Leaf Award, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the township's Ukrainian community.

"The Ukrainian American community is grateful for the proclamation issued," said Mr. Keybida, extending his personal thanks "to all who have supported Ukraine's struggle for freedom in this Town Hall for the past 35 years." He added, "Your generous endorsement of Ukraine's independence helped to bring to fruition the joyous freedom that 52 million Ukrainians are enjoying today."

On August 25 members of the Maplewood's Ukrainian American community gathered at 9:30 a.m. at Town Hall to commemorate the anniversary of independence. The Rev. Bohdan Lukie CSsR, pastor of St. John's Ukrainian Catholic Church of Newark, N.J., opened the ceremonies with a solemn prayer and asked God's blessings for the people of Ukraine who are enjoying their newfound freedom.

Maplewood Township Committeeman Burt H. Liebman, greeted the assembled leaders and friends, many of them in Ukrainian national costumes, and read the proclamation.

After accepting the proclamation from Mr. Liebman, Mr. Keybida reviewed Ukraine's conditions prior to the declaration of independence on August 24, 1991. He then stated that on June 5 President Bill Clinton and Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma, during their meeting in Kyiv, reaffirmed their commitment to advance and deepen the strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine in the 21st century. Mr. Kuchma emphasized Ukraine's democratic and market transformation and the presidents agreed that this transformation is the essential basis for fulfilling Ukraine's European aspirations.

Mr. Clinton praised the leadership of Mr. Kuchma and his new government for early progress on reform, noting the importance of accelerated implementation of reforms, which will strengthen the ability of the United States to support Ukraine in its efforts to improve cooperation with the International Monetary Fund and other international financial institutions.

The Rev. Andriy Manko CSsR gave a synopsis of his recent visit to Ukraine. The delegation proceeded outdoors, carrying the Ukrainian flag, and paused to sing the Ukrainian and American anthems before raising both flags.

Rockland County, N.Y.

NEW CITY, N.Y. - Ukrainian Americans in Rockland County in downstate New York celebrated the ninth anniversary of Ukraine's independence with a special ceremony outside the country administration building.

Dr. Vasyl Luchkiw noted that he is often asked how long Ukrainians will be celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day, and he replies: "How long are we going to celebrate the Fourth of July?" He added, "This is our Fourth of July."

A group of 35 Ukrainian Americans, including a contingent of members of the Ukrainian American Veterans, attended the annual ceremony, at which the special guest was Rep. Benjamin Gilman (R-N.Y.), who praised Ukrainian community of Rockland County and underlined, "It's always a pleasure to remind our nations of the diversity we have."

Also present was Rockland County Legislator Theodore Dusanenko. A moment of silence was held in honor of the legislator's father, Teddy B. Dusanenko, a World War II veteran and longtime country resident who was involved in local politics and community service, who had passed away in August.

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