September 27, 2019

Chicago holds three days of Ukrainian independence celebrations

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Revelers gather in front of the performance stage as the street fills with Ukrainians.

CHICAGO – Perfect weather in Chicago greeted large crowds on August 23-25 at the  three-day celebration of Ukraine’s independence. This year’s events were attended by the largest number of spectators yet.

On Friday, August 23, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Illinois Division (UCCA) hosted an official ceremony at Chicago’s Daley Plaza. The dramatic effect of the U.S. and Ukrainian flags reflected in the facades of the glass and steel skyscrapers surrounding the plaza served as the background for the singing of the national anthems by Ukrainian singer Olga Tsvyntarna, who provided a powerful musical interpretation.

The posting of colors was conducted by Ukrainian American Veterans Post 32, which assisted with formalities throughout the weekend.

As co-sponsor, the Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago arranged for an impressive outdoor photographic display of Ukrainian landscapes. Because of the active diplomatic role of Consul General Larysa Gerasko in the Chicago Consular Corps, consuls general of many nations attended the event in a show of solidarity. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, representatives of Chicago’s mayor and the Illinois attorney general joined hundreds in the audience who enjoyed the cultural program.

Consul General Gerasko greeted all friends of Ukraine with an assurance that Ukraine will continue the defense of its territory and its freedom. It was noted that Ukrainians immigrated to the United States over 125 years ago and that, as a well-organized community, they can make a difference during elections.

A clear message was sent that 28 years ago, Ukraine’s Parliament, representing the voice of the people of Ukraine, declared “no more” to the Soviet Union, and to this day they affirm “no more” to Russian interference and to the Russian invasion and occupation of Crimea and the Donbas.

At the end of the official program, a flash mob unfurled a huge Ukrainian flag in front of the well-known Picasso sculpture and sang the Ukrainian national anthem.

Street festival

During a weekend of perfect weather, thousands jammed Chicago Avenue in the central area of Chicago known as Ukrainian Village, a neighborhood located minutes from the city’s center, within view of Chicago’s skyscrapers.

This major annual festival organized by the UCCA for 36 years brings the entire Ukrainian community together and attracts many non-Ukrainians.  Ihor Diaczun, president of the UCCA Illinois Division, opened the festival and introduced Dr. Maria Korkatsch-Groszko, vice-president of the local UCCA, to emcee the official functions.

The two-day festival included special appearances and greetings by city, county, state and federal officials, including Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.); Ms. Pappas; Richard Boykin, former commissioner of Cook County and candidate for clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County; Saulius Kuprys, president of Lithuanian American Council and Joint Baltic American National Committee; Henryk Marcyniak, chairman Road to Peace Foundation; and representatives of the mayor, and other government offices.

Dozens of vendors displayed and sold traditional crafts and products, with food and drink vendors barely keeping up with demand. The entertainment this year was a spectacular line-up of local and international acts that included the community’s talented children, choirs and dance groups in the first half of each day’s program, followed by star-filled performances in the later part of each day and evening.

The special acts reserved for the end of both days included the rock groups Flit and Mad Heads from Ukraine that captivated the audience, and singers Olga Tsvyntarna and Iryna Lonchyna. The performance of Ms. Lonchyna surrounded by the two dance groups, Horlytsia and Vyshyvanka, brought the audience to standing ovations. The spectacle of visuals and sound mesmerized the audience of thousands who left the festival late at night with a feeling of hope, convinced of Ukraine’s secured independence and the community’s strong future and growth.

The Vyshyvanka School of Dance

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