EDITORIAL: Ukraine lives! (08/19/01)

THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE

EDITORIAL

Ukraine lives!

Ten years ago we witnessed an event that many of us had dreamed about for decades: the rebirth of an independent Ukrainian state. When we think back to August 24, 1991, and the period immediately after this historic day, we recall the great joy within our community in this country and throughout the entire Ukrainian diaspora. The seemingly impossible had come to pass. Ukraine was free! And, caught up in the emotion of the moment, many naively thought it would all be smooth sailing ahead.

Our spirits were lifted even higher after we heard the incredible news about the nationwide referendum of December 1, 1991, in which an overwhelming 90 percent plus of the people of Ukraine voted to approve the Parliament's historic August declaration. But most of us understood that once the euphoria was over there would be a long and difficult process before true independence was achieved and before the vestiges of the Soviet system would be gone.

Now it is 10 years later - a decade has passed in a flash. During that time Ukraine has made great strides in nation- and state-building. We need only recall several free elections, the peaceful transfer of power from independent Ukraine's first president to its second, the adoption of a new Constitution of Ukraine, Ukraine's peaceful and good relations with all its neighbors, its growing presence in the international community of nations, Team Ukraine's participation in the Olympic Games and, of course, Pope John Paul II's momentous visit to Ukraine. There is no longer any doubt, as there was at several points during the fledgling state's first few years, that Ukraine will retain its independence.

But there are problem areas: corruption, abuse of power, a cynical and apathetic public that doesn't realize the power it wields, economic reform that hasn't progressed as quickly as had been hoped, and the replacement of Ukraine's once thoroughly pro-Western stance with a so-called multi-vectored foreign policy. Are these the growing pains of a young state, or something more deleterious and sinister? Time will tell, but so will the actions of both the leaders and the people of Ukraine. It is our fervent hope that these problems will be overcome - not simply be overlooked - for that will guarantee Ukraine's further development as a democratic state.

Ten years is short time for any new country to solve all its problems and to deal with all the issues it faces. It is also a milestone that should be marked, regardless of any shortcomings. As noted by Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, this year's 10th anniversary of Ukraine's independence is the country's first true jubilee. It is a time for all of us together - the people of Ukraine and Ukrainians in the diaspora - to celebrate. In celebrating today we should look ahead to a better tomorrow and on to the next jubilee. We should neither become disillusioned nor lose sight of our goals; we should refocus on the crucial tasks ahead in order to meet all challenges head on.

We should celebrate on this August 24 because we have been blessed with the chance to witness the proclamation and development of Ukraine's independence. We should celebrate Ukraine's independence because, though it seemed to happen overnight, this independence was the fruit of decades of dreams and work- in countless cases, of extreme sacrifice. As well, we should celebrate the fact that many of us, like our forebears, have been able to contribute to Ukraine's rebirth, albeit in different ways.

Thus, as we mark the 10th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence Day, we should recall the decades of hope and struggle from which it was born. And we should ponder how fortunate we are to be able to declare two very simple, yet eloquent, words: Ukraine lives!

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