[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 20 (Tuesday, March 1, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
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]

 
                    UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, recently, the Ukrainian National 
Association [UNA], the Nation's oldest and largest Ukrainian-American 
organization, celebrated its 100th anniversary. Established in 1894 in 
Shamokin, PA, the UNA has been working to foster Ukrainian identity 
both in America and the world. By establishing a financial organization 
to meet the needs of a growing Ukrainian immigrant population, the UNA 
became the cornerstone of the Ukrainian-American community. Throughout 
its 100-year history, the UNA's 370 branches have provided for the life 
insurance needs of much of the Ukrainian-American community as well as 
offering a wide variety of cultural, charitable, and social 
opportunities. In addition, the UNA offers over $120,000 annually in 
educational scholarships to its members.
  Although the UNA was established to serve Ukrainians living in the 
United States and Canada, it has never abandoned the ideal of a free 
Ukraine and never lost sight of the needs of Ukrainians in Ukraine. By 
working closely with the United States Government, the UNA is promoting 
the establishment of democratic and free market institutions in 
Ukraine. The UNA has also established a fund to directly help with 
humanitarian, technical, and educational assistance to Ukraine.
  The United States must take a clear and unequivocal stand for freedom 
and democracy in Ukraine. Promoting economic, social, and political 
reform throughout that region will not only benefit Ukraine, but will 
result in economic and trade opportunities for our Nation and will 
benefit American workers and our economy. The UNA has been a long-time 
advocate of a free Ukraine and has been a vital force in establishing a 
Ukrainian-American identity. I congratulate the Ukrainian National 
Association on its anniversary and wish it another 100 years of 
prosperity and service to our Nation.

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