[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 124 (Thursday, September 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S PROCLAMATION OF 
                              INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 2002

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor and recognition of the 
tenth anniversary of the Ukraine Parliament's brave and historic 
Proclamation of Independence.
  The Ukraine Parliament embraced democracy, and declared independence 
under the visionary leadership of Leonid Kravchuk, on August 24, 
1991—after years of Soviet rule. The Proclamation of Independence 
was followed by a nationwide referendum in which over 90% of Ukraine's 
53 million people voted in favor of independence and elected Kravchuk 
the first President of the Independent Ukraine. This courageous step 
ended centuries of foreign rule and allowed Ukraine to make tremendous 
strides towards freedom and democratic rule.
  On this special day I recall the words of Ivan Plyushch, the 
Parliamentary chief as he proudly proclaimed at the 1991, inaugural 
ceremony, “A European State has appeared on the map, and its name 
is Ukraine!!” The bold actions of these patriotic leaders set a 
country that had known so much terror on a course of freedom, liberty 
and democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, on this day of celebration, I also rise to honor the men 
and women who fought hard and suffered dearly in their country's 
struggle to break the bonds of oppression, and who made the ultimate 
sacrifice for their country's independence. It is due to their 
grandparents and parents dedication and bravery that the children of 
Ukraine breathe the air of freedom. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honor and recognition of this momentous occasion.

                          ____________________