Yushchenko receives hero's welcome at D.C. rally (04/17/05)

Yushchenko receives hero's welcome at D.C. rally

by Larissa Oprysko

WASHINGTON - Ukrainians from across the U.S. gathered at the Shevchenko monument in Washington on April 6 to show their love and admiration for Viktor Yushchenko. As upbeat music from such bands as Fata Morgana and the Scythians filled the air, a passionate energy flowed through the crowd. And, when the Ukrainian president appeared, the people greeted him with enthusiastic cheers. Their hero had arrived.

Approximately 1,000 people, including several busloads, came to show their support clad in orange and traditional Ukrainian embroidered blouses and shirts. Children from Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization and the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM) came in their uniforms and held signs that read, "Ya za Yushchenka" (I'm for Yushchenko) and "Tak" (Yes).

Ulana Mazurkevich of Philadelphia welcomed the crowd to the "little maidan," while her fellow MC, Michael Sawkiw Jr., president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, told that crowd: we have proved that "razom nas bahato" (together we are many), and we all worked together to make great things happen.

Musicians entertained as the crowd anxiously awaited President Yushchenko's arrival. Singer Stefan Stawnychy of New York, who last December organized a benefit concert for Mr. Yushchenko, performed "Independence Square," a song he co-wrote with Yura Pylyp.

"I'm happy I got to perform in front of a crowd that may not be familiar with our song (which will be released later in June)," he said. "I feel this event is a great culmination for all the efforts put forth in the Orange Revolution," he added.

Around 1 p.m. it was announced that the president was on his way. As the motorcade pulled up, Fata Morgana, which had performed on Kyiv's maidan (Independence Square) during the days of the Orange Revolution, was called to the stage to play. When President Yushchenko stepped out of his car, cries of joy echoed through the crowd.

The president responded in the most positive manner. He took his time walking the roped off path that divided the crowd and led to the foot of the Shevchenko monument. Along the way he spoke to as many people as he could, picked up children to kiss them and shook hands with a heartfelt smile that touched even those farther away to whom he could only wave. His eyes spoke the deep love and gratitude he had for all the people who had contributed to his unprecedented victory.

When the president and his entourage finally reached the stage, Shevchenko's "Zapovit" (Testament) was sung by the Akkolada Chamber Choir, and a prayer and blessings were given by Archbishop Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Bishop Walter Paska of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko was first of the entourage to step up to the podium. She began in Ukrainian, greeting the crowd, and then switched to English. Although born in America, she said she always had strong ties to Ukraine. She thanked all like-minded Ukrainian Americans and stated that because of their acts "all Ukrainians are one people around the world."

As the sun continued beating down on the square, Mr. Yushchenko, who had already taken off his jacket, making his orange-colored tie all the more visible, approached the microphone. Cameras clicked away, videos rolled and some even held cellphones open so others unable to attend could hear the speech.

"It is a great honor to be here beside Shevchenko," he told the crowd. He then proceeded to thank those who had come to the rally and those who have not forgotten the strength and spirit of the Orange Revolution.

President Yushchenko acknowledged all the hard work of the people during the revolution. As a result, "my daughters and sons, you now have a free and honest Ukraine," he declared.

"Liubit Ukrainu! Slava Ukraini!" (Love Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine!) he shouted to the audience's cheers, his message obviously resonating with the crowd.

A surprise appearance resulted in another enthusiastic response as heavyweight boxing champion Vitalii Klitschko came to the podium. He gratefully thanked the people for their support and belief in President Yushchenko. As he stepped back, Mr. Yushchenko elicited much laughter as he told the rally participants that he had always wanted to go a few rounds with Klitschko - unfortunately there are two of them and only one of me, he said.

After 45 minutes, as the speeches came to a close, all joined together to sing "Mnohaya Lita" (Many Years) for the new president of Ukraine. The crowd waved enthusiastically as Mr. Yushchenko exited the square and his motorcade pulled away.

The celebration continued and the music resumed. Many groups were seen posing in front of the Shevchenko monument for photos to remember this remarkable day when Viktor Yushchenko, the people's president, met with his supporters in the United States.

Julie Doboszczak, 14, who came with her mother, Luba, from Connecticut, said she could not have been happier - not only was she able to witness this historic event, but she shook the president's hand.

| Home Page |