[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 24, 1994

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 100th 
anniversary of the Ukrainian National Association [UNA], the oldest and 
largest Ukrainian-American organization in the United States. The UNA 
has a proud history of fortifying the national identity, culture and 
pride of Ukrainian-Americans, many of whose families suffered great 
hardship and sorrow in leaving their native Ukraine.
  From its humble beginnings in 1894 with 13 branches, the UNA has 
expanded to its present 370 branches--or lodges--in 27 States of the 
United States and 7 provinces of Canada. Currently UNA has nearly 
66,000 members and over $100 million in assets. Through its network the 
UNA maintains close contact with its membership. Officers of the 
branches see to the needs of their members, participate in various 
local Ukrainian activities, and provide leadership in the Ukrainian-
American community.
  In addition to providing for the life insurance needs of the 
Ukrainian-American community by offering low-cost protection, the UNA 
provides members with a wide range of educational, cultural, social and 
charitable benefits. Through its many diverse programs, the UNA has 
helped preserve the national traditions and customs of Ukrainians in 
the United States and Canada, thereby contributing to the richness of 
American culture.
  As part of its fraternal benefit work, the UNA provides over $120,000 
in scholarships annually to its members. It operates a retirement home 
for its senior citizens, provides mortgages to its members, and is a 
patron of the Ukrainian community's cultural and religious activities. 
Over the years the UNA has provided low-interest mortgage loans for the 
construction of many Ukrainian churches and community centers in the 
United States and Canada, strengthening the religious and cultural 
bonds in the community.
  In addition to publishing Svoboda, the oldest Ukrainian language 
newspaper in the world, UNA has been publishing an English language 
newspaper, The Ukrainian Weekly, for over 60 years, and a monthly 
children's magazine, Veselka. Over the years the UNA has also financed 
numerous books on Ukrainian subjects.
  Service to its members and the greater Ukrainian-American community 
has been the hallmark of the UNA throughout its history. It has 
remained the cornerstone of the Ukrainian-American community because 
its membership encompasses community leaders whose dedication, self-
sacrifice and hard work have preserved its identity. While serving its 
members UNA has never forgotten the people of Ukraine. UNA has helped 
Ukraine build a democratic and free market society, and look to a 
second century of service and achievement as rich as its first.
  I salute them, on behalf of all Central New Yorkers, and have great 
respect for the substantial and vibrant local Ukrainian community.

                          ____________________