LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (09/02/01)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ukrainian independence and Connecticut events

Dear Editor:

Citizens of Ukrainian descent in Connecticut have annually observed January 22 as their date of independence as it reflected the general mood of its citizens, focusing on the turn of history and joy of independence. Each and every Ukrainian parish in Connecticut celebrated this event with gatherings at their churches or auditoriums.

Back in 1945, the Mayor of New Haven, Richard C. Lee, accepted the blue-and-yellow flag of Ukraine and stipulated that it be flown each January 22 from the flagpole at New Haven's Central Green. This event attracted many citizens of New Haven who, since 1923, when Ukraine was an occupied country of the Soviet Union which forbade all national acts, took this event as a very special and meaningful celebration.

In 1987 Michael S. Mowchan Sr. from Newington, Conn., contacted his friend State Sen. Joseph Harper. A bill was passed in Connecticut that made Ukrainian Day a law in the state. It was passed by both houses and Gov. William O'Neill signed it into law. In 1995 after talking to a few Connecticut Ukrainian leaders, Mr. Mowchan, with the aid of State Rep. Theresa R. Gerratana, had the Ukrainian Day changed from January 22 to August 24. The move also had to pass both houses and had to be signed by the governor.

Michael S. Mowchan Sr. has also been the one responsible for persuading of Gov. O'Neill to designate a part of I-291 in the name of Taras Shevchenko, honoring Ukraine's 19th century poet, artist and freedom fighter. Shevchenko is to Ukrainians what George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy are to Americans. Substitute Senate Bill No. 82, dated June 20, 1985, designated part of this highway as the "Taras Shevchenko Expressway."

Gov. O'Neill remarked: "This is more than naming a highway, it's perpetuating a great name from a great nation." Shevchenko was born a serf, but died a free man. Through his poetry he lifted the spirit of the entire Ukrainian nation.

Wasyll Gina
New Haven, Conn.

Stephen Kuropas will be missed by community

Dear Editor:

All Ukrainian fraternal communities in the country were saddened at the news that Stephen Kuropas peacefully passed away at the age of 100.

Mr. Kuropas represented a generation of Ukrainians who migrated to America seeking freedom and a better way of life for their families. He brought with him all the family values, love of God and a work ethic that all the new arrivals practiced.

His involvement in the Ukrainian community, especially in the Ukrainian National Association, is legendary. His son Myron and grandson Stefko have followed his example.

Members of all Soyuzes send their sympathy not only to the family but also to his beloved Ukrainians in Chicago.

We will all miss the passing of a legendary fraternalist.

May his memory be eternal.

Joseph Charyna
Boston

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