[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 16 (Wednesday, February 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION'S 100TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise today to offer my 
congratulations to the Ukrainian National Association [UNA] for its 
first 100-year anniversary of dedicated service to the Ukrainian-
American community.
  The UNA was established on February 22, 1894, with 13 branches around 
the country, following the creation of Svoboda, the first Ukrainian-
American newspaper in the United States which celebrated its first 
centennial last year. With a membership of nearly 66,000, the UNA has 
expanded during its first century to a total of 370 chapters or lodges 
in 27 States and 7 Provinces of Canada. Over the years, the UNA has 
provided a wide range of services to its members, including the 
granting of over $120,000 in annual scholarships, the sponsorship of 
programs promoting educational and cultural traditions, and extending 
assistance to Ukrainian refugees and victims of natural disasters.
  Indeed, the UNA has devoted itself to supporting its membership 
through difficult times, such as the catastrophic famine of the 1930's 
which claimed the lives of millions, and preserving the community's 
identity with its traditions and heritage, which contribute to the rich 
cultural diversity of our country. To be sure, I am certain that my 
colleagues would agree that such diversity remains a source of 
tremendous strength for our Nation. In fact, we in the State of 
Maryland are fortunate to have an active and thriving Ukrainian-
American community.
  In keeping with our Nation's highest principles, the UNA also has 
reflected the commitment of Ukrainian-Americans to basic democratic 
values in the form of years of struggle for freedom and independence 
for Ukraine. Last month marked the 76th commemoration of the Ukrainian 
Act of Union, approved by the Rada in January 1918, during a period of 
hope and inspiration for the Ukrainian people. Unfortunately, this 
dream of independence only proved illusory and short lived until 
recently. With the implosion of the Soviet Union and the objectives of 
a long struggle finally realized, the UNA continues to extend support 
to an independent sovereign Ukraine by helping it secure democratic and 
free-market institutions.
  In 1990, the UNA established a private fund to help address the needs 
of the newly independent country. Working with the U.S. Government and 
other private organizations, the fund has facilitated the printing and 
delivery of educational publications including school textbooks and 
dictionaries, and the establishment of an independent publishing house. 
In addition, since 1992, the UNA has collaborated successfully with 
other groups in sending nearly 90 English teachers to 40 cities in 
Ukraine under the so-called Teaching English in Ukraine program.
  Mr. President, I join my colleagues in this centennial celebration of 
the Ukrainian National Association's contributions to the Ukrainian-
American communities of North America and Ukraine.

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