ACTION ITEM

Famine-Genocide Resolution in House of Representatives

On July 24 Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.), co-chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, introduced a resolution (H. Con. Res. 254) to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide. The resolution recognizes the draconian treatment of the Ukrainian population during the Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933 and expresses the sense of Congress that condemns this act perpetrated by Stalin and the Soviet government.

The resolution currently is co-sponsored by Reps. Curt Weldon (R-Pa.) and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), co-chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus. The Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS) urges the Ukrainian American community to contact their representatives and urge them to co-sponsor this resolution. Below is a sample letter. For further information readers may contact UNIS at (202) 547-0018, or by e-mail at unis@ucca.org.

SAMPLE LETTER

The Honorable (Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative (Name):

As a member of the Ukrainian American community, I was pleased to hear of H. Con. Res. 254, which was introduced to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide of 1932-1933. Perpetrated by the former Soviet government, the artifically created famine in Ukraine claimed the lives of over 7 million innocent Ukrainian men, women and children as a means to reduce their independent tendencies and aspirations for nationhood.

It is important that the memory of the innocent victims does not vanish. Knowledge of the horrors suffered by the Ukrainian nation will serve as a constant reminder that the Free World cannot rest as long as there exist oppressive regimes. It is our duty to prevent similar genocides from happening ever again. I respectfully urge you to support H. Con. Res. 254 dedicated to the memory of the victims of this heinous crime against humanity. Please sign on as a co-sponsor of the resolution and add your support in commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine-Genocide.

Sincerely,
(your name)

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, August 10, 2003, No. 32, Vol. LXXI

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