[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 20 (Tuesday, March 1, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 1, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     TRIBUTE TO THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON THEIR 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 1994

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the oldest and 
largest Ukrainian-American organization in the United States, the 
Ukrainian National Association [UNA], on their 100th anniversary. It is 
an honor to participate in the centennial celebration of this esteemed 
organization, one that has contributed so much to my community and the 
Nation.
  The creation of the Ukrainian-American fraternal insurance 
organization in February 1894, was the brainchild of the Rev. Gregory 
Hrushka, founder of Svoboda, the first Ukrainian newspaper printed in 
the United States. Reverend Hrushka recognized the need of the rapidly 
growing Ukrainian immigrant community to financially organize 
themselves. From its humble beginnings in 1894 with 13 branches, the 
UNA now has over 66,000 members and 370 branches throughout the United 
States and Canada.
  In addition to providing for the life insurance needs of the 
Ukrainian-American community by offering low-cost life insurance 
protection, the UNA provides its members with a wide range of 
educational, cultural, social, and charitable benefits. The UNA 
provides over $120,000 annually in educational scholarships, operates a 
retirement home for senior citizens and is an important patron of the 
Ukrainian community's cultural and religious activities. The UNA has 
helped preserve the national traditions of Ukrainians through the 
diverse programs it sponsors, thereby contributing to the richness of 
American culture.
  The UNA also owns and operates Soyuzivka, a year-round, full-service 
resort in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. In addition to 
providing social and cultural activities for its members, the UNA 
operates children's camps, cultural courses, and sports camps at this 
resort.
  Another part of its fraternal benefit works are the low-interest 
mortgage loans the UNA provides for the construction of many Ukrainian 
churches and community centers. By reducing the financial burden for 
these worthy institutions, the UNA helps to strengthen the religious 
and cultural bonds of the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the UNA during the month it 
celebrates its 100th anniversary. Its service and dedication, as well 
as its contributions to the community at-large, are deserving of 
recognition. I urge my colleagues to participate in this worthy 
celebration.

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