[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION CENTENNIAL

                                 ______


                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 22, 1994

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today marks an important milestone in the 
life of the Ukrainian-American community, as the Ukrainian National 
Association [UNA], the oldest and largest secular Ukrainian-American 
organization celebrates its 100th-year anniversary.
  The role of the Ukrainian National Association in the life of the 
Ukrainian-American community over the last century has been invaluable. 
As a fraternal insurance organization, it provided the life insurance 
needs for generations of Ukrainian-Americans, but it also has done much 
more than that. It provides its membership, and by extension, the 
entire Ukrainian-American community with a wide range of services and 
benefits--cultural, educational, social, and charitable. Its 
publications include the oldest Ukrainian-language daily newspaper in 
the world, Svoboda and the respected English-language, The Ukrainian 
Weekly. The UNA provides scholarships and low-interest mortgages for 
the construction of Ukrainian churches and community centers. The UNA 
has been instrumental in the development of the well-organized and 
tightly knit Ukrainian-American community--it has been a critical link 
in maintaining this community's structure and cohesiveness. In so 
doing, it has added significantly to the rich fabric of this country's 
heritage.
  But there is another critical dimension to this organization's work 
that cannot be overlooked. Throughout the last century, the UNA has 
been in the forefront of pressing for the age-old dream of an 
independent, democratic Ukrainian state. Through its numerous practical 
actions as well as its publications, the Ukrainian National Association 
never ceased its efforts to achieve that dream, irrespective of the 
skepticism that existed.
  As we all know, Mr. Speaker, that dream has turned into a reality, 
and the Ukrainian National Association can stand proud knowing it 
played an important role in the achievement of Ukraine's independence. 
Of course, numerous challenges remain in rooting and developing the 
young Ukrainian state. The UNA, mindful of this, is engaged in 
assisting in the development of democracy and free-market institutions 
in Ukraine and, no doubt, given its viability and strength, will 
continue to contribute.
  The Ukrainian National Association has been a valuable resource to me 
in my capacity as Helsinki Commission cochairman, and I look forward to 
continuing to work closely. I heartily congratulate the UNA on its 
centennial and express my hopes for its continued success.

                          ____________________