[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1754-E1755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING DR. OLEH SHAMSHUR, UKRAINE'S AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES 
AND THE FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S PROCLAMATION OF INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
Honorable Dr. Oleh Shamshur, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States 
and extend a warm welcome to him as he visits Cleveland, Ohio to 
celebrate the Fifteenth Anniversary of Ukraine's Proclamation of 
Independence with leaders and members of our Ukrainian-American 
community.
  For nearly 80 years, the United Ukrainian Organizations of Greater 
Cleveland have served as a vital coalition of historical and cultural 
significance, aimed at preserving and promoting all aspects of 
Ukrainian culture. These guardians of history have succeeded in keeping 
alive the rich traditions of their beloved homeland--from Ukraine's 
religious and social customs, to the artistic, history and world 
contributions that have left an indelible mark across the globe.
  Following the fall of the Soviet Union and the rebirth of Ukrainian 
statehood, the United Ukrainian Organizations of Greater Cleveland 
bolstered fundraising and outreach efforts that extended from the 
shores of Lake Erie to the sands of the Black Sea. Additionally, this 
organization was instrumental in the creation of the

[[Page E1755]]

Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Here in Cleveland, the Ukrainian 
Museum-Archives is a monument to the struggles and triumphs of the 
people of the Ukraine and reflects the passion and dedication of the 
members of our Ukrainian community who seek to keep the stories, 
spirit, and history of the Ukraine alive by preserving cultural 
artifacts, advancements, historical documents. books and photographs to 
pass along to every new generation.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and welcome of 
Dr. Oleh Shamshur, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, along 
with the leaders and members, past and present, of the United Ukrainian 
Organizations of Greater Cleveland. Their vigilant determination to 
raise awareness of their struggle for liberty serves as a monument to 
all who have traveled to America seeking freedom and opportunity and 
reflects the vibrant fabric of diversity of our Cleveland community and 
our entire nation.

                          ____________________