[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 117 (Thursday, August 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 TRIBUTE TO COMMEMORATE THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 18, 1994

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the third 
anniversary of Ukrainian independence. To celebrate, members of the 
Ukrainian Cultural Center in Warren, MI, are hosting a commemorative 
and cultural program this Sunday evening, August 21.
  Much has been achieved in the 3 years since the Parliament of Ukraine 
declared independence. Barely 3 months after the proclamation, over 90 
percent of the population ratified the proclamation in a referendum. In 
the past year, parliamentary and presidential elections have been held. 
The people of Ukraine face many challenges; however, they are in the 
process of building a free and democratic society.
  I believe the United States must reach out to the people of Ukraine. 
Americans can and should assist Ukrainians in their quest to build a 
prosperous free-market society. As a Member of the House of 
Representatives, I have worked to see that Ukraine receives a fair 
portion of the aid designated for the New Independent States. On a more 
personal level, I have worked with individual Ukrainians who have come 
to America to learn about our system of government and to acquire 
entrepreneurial skills. Ukrainian citizens have worked in my Washington 
and Mount Clemens offices studying the American political system. I 
have been fortunate to have the opportunity to provide assistance with 
the exchange program between the Lvov Institute of Management and Wayne 
State University. Currently, I am making arrangements for Ukrainian 
students participating in this M.B.A. program to spend time with small 
business owners in Michigan. I encourage all Americans committed to 
Ukraine's future to participate in these types of one-on-one 
experiences. These efforts will undoubtedly make an important impact on 
Ukraine.
  On the third anniversary of Ukrainian independence, Ukrainian-
Americans share in the joy of a free Ukraine. I ask that my colleagues 
join me in saluting the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and the 
Ukrainian American Coordinating Council for their vigilance through the 
many difficult years, and for organizing and hosting this commemorative 
cultural program.

                          ____________________