[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF AN INDEPENDENT UKRAINE

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2001

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to bring to the attention of my 
colleagues to the Flag Raising celebration of the 10th Anniversary of 
Independent Ukraine, that was held at 12:30 p.m. in Rockland County, 
New York, on August 26, 2001, at the County Offices Complex, in New 
City.
  This event was sponsored by the Ukrainian Community of Rockland, 
under the leadership of Ukrainian American Veterans of Rockland, with 
their former National Commander, Dr. Vasyl Luchkiw, serving as the 
Event Chairman. I commend the Rockland County Executive, the Honorable 
Scott Vanderhoef, the Chairman of the County Legislature, the Honorable 
Ilan Schoenberger, and our County Legislators for providing a place to 
hold the celebrations. I also would like to extend a special thanks to 
the Honorable Theodore Dusanenko for his help throughout the years, and 
a heartfelt thanks to all of the participants for making this 
celebration possible.
  I join the members of the Ukrainian Community in celebrating this 
significant anniversary. It is a miracle that, without bloodshed, the 
Soviet Empire, which held the Ukraine in its thrall, has melted away.
  The anniversary program included thoughtful remarks by Commander 
Luchkiw, which I ask to be printed at this point in the Record for the 
information of my colleagues:

                     On the Tenth Anniversary . . .

                         (By Dr. Vasyl Luchkiw)

       UKRAINE MADE IT!!! Ukrainian people made it! Contrary to 
     all predictions and against all adds, Ukraine not only 
     survived the past ten years, but actually made significant 
     progress on its way to become a western democratic state. 
     Even economy has been edging upward and there is hope for 
     Ukrainian people who have suffered politically, economically, 
     culturally and even spiritually for so many years. But there 
     remains a lot to be done and Ukraine probably will not be 
     able to do it alone. It needs help. It needs help in the 
     broadest meaning of the word. Yes, it even needs help with 
     fighting corruption. The 75 years of corrupt Soviet 
     government and society left its indelible mark on Ukraine and 
     it does not know how to get rid of it.
       Western world must remember, that Ukraine greeted 
     restoration of its independence with empty hands and empty 
     coffers. Since that fateful day in August 1991, Ukraine had 
     to improvise every step of the way. Its people had to suffer 
     the brunt of economic shortfalls. The struggle is not over 
     yet and west better not wait too long with its help.
       There has been talk about a type of ``Marshal Plan'' for 
     Ukraine. Whatever it is, it better come soon. Procrastination 
     with help for Ukraine may turn into disaster for western 
     Europe, if not the entire democratic world. Ukraine's 
     neighbor to the north is waiting ``ready and willing.'' It is 
     aching for a chance to ``show'' people of Ukraine that it is 
     he that truly cares about Ukraine and that is he to whom 
     Ukraine should turn for support and guidance. Need we say 
     more?
       This 10th anniversary is an appropriate time for the 
     Western world, and particularly for the United States, 
     through its congress and administration, to demonstrate 
     strong support for Ukraine and its people (despite legitimate 
     concerns on such as freedom of the press, rule of law, piracy 
     and copyright, continuation of political and economic 
     reforms, etc.), particularly now that Ukraine appears to be 
     drawn more and more toward Russia.
       The 10th anniversary is not the time to turn Ukraine and 
     its people away from the West. Rather, this is time for the 
     United States to do as is suggested in the House Resolution 
     222: ``continue to assist in building a truly independent 
     Ukraine through encouraging and supporting democratic and 
     market-economy transformation in Ukraine, keeping the doors 
     of Europe and trans-Atlantic institution open to this 
     nation.''

     

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