[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UKRAINIAN BANDURIST CHORUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognition of 
the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus as they celebrate 85 years of promoting 
Ukrainian arts and culture through their historic and significant 
musical achievement focused on the bandura--the ageless instrument and 
melodic voice of the Ukraine.
  The bandura, an instrument that connects acoustic principles of the 
lute and harp, produces a sound that is both strong and fragile; it is 
a sound that has echoed the culture, spirit and people of Eastern 
Europe for thousands of years--a sound kept alive by the artistic 
talent of the bandurists--a sound that signifies a nation's struggle 
for freedom--a sound that is taught to every new generation--a sound 
that reaches across oceans and spans centuries.
  The heart and soul of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus encompasses 
ideals of faith, freedom and the human spirit--reflecting the soul of 
the Ukraine. The Chorus also represents survival and renewel of a 
persecuted people. Like countless individuals and groups seeking 
freedom from the dark days of European oppression and war during the 
1930's and 1940's--the artists and musicians of the Ukraine were 
persecuted for their art, faith, and love of country. But their music 
and heritage would survive and grow--in the Ukraine, and in communities 
across North America, as Ukrainian artists and musicians sought refuge 
in the United States and Canada.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honoring the 
internationally reknowned Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, as they celebrate 
eighty-five years of Ukrainian culture and history by blending the 
ageless sound of the bandura with voices of song--resounding Ukrainian 
history, faith, and struggle for liberty. The Ukrainian Bandurist 
Chorus symbolizes triumph over oppression and the bandura serves as a 
stark historical metaphor--lest we forget--the strength in our struggle 
for freedom, and the fragility in our struggle to preserve it--as 
fragile and strong as the melody of the bandura.

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