[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 115 (Tuesday, August 16, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       OBSERVANCE OF THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE

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                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 16, 1994

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, on August 24, 1991, the Parliament of Ukraine 
ended 300 years of autocratic rule by proclaiming the independence of 
Ukraine and establishing itself as a separate nation. The enormity of 
this endeavor, and subsequent ratification of the proclamation by 90 
percent of Ukraine's population, cannot be understated. Over 50 million 
Ukrainians finally knew the freedom Americans have long enjoyed.
  This August 21, I will join my Ukrainian neighbors in Warren, MI, for 
an observance of the third anniversary of this historic event. The 
Ukrainian Cultural Center will be the site of a festive celebration of 
liberty in Ukraine, and I will be honored to be a part of that 
celebration.
  I urge the entire U.S. Congress to take a moment to recognize the 
independence of Ukraine. It is a rare opportunity to honor a country 
that has overcome Communist domination and established itself as a full 
partner in the world's free-market economy.
  Mr. Speaker, it is truly remarkable that a society burdened by 
communism for the last nine decades has not lost one iota of its 
cultural pride and heritage. And those Ukrainians who have chosen to 
make their home in the United States have embraced and promoted their 
ancestral culture, while contributing to America's ethnic diversity.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize both 
the anniversary of Ukraine's independence and honor the activities of 
Ukrainian-Americans.

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