[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14104]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF THE UKRAINIAN MONUMENT TO TARAS 
                               SHEVCHENKO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, June 26, 2004, 
the Ukrainian-American community will celebrate the 401h anniversary of 
the Taras Shevchenko monument in Washington, DC. The monument inspired 
and united Ukrainians to speak about the cruelty and injustice of the 
former Soviet Union and attracted international support. Since 
independence, Ukraine has made significant progress in its transition 
to a democratic society.
  Taras Shevchenko continues to serve as a source of inspiration to 
Ukrainians almost 200 years after his untimely demise. Born into 
serfdom, as a child, Shevchenko excelled in painting even though he 
received no formal training. His talent eventually attracted the 
attention of the best artists, who bought Shevchenko's freedom. A 
brilliant artist, Shevchenko turned out to be an even more talented 
poet, who through his works gave strength and hope to millions of 
freedom fighters. The intensity of his words have resonated in the 
hearts of many, igniting the fire of freedom and inspiring a continued 
struggle for liberation. He led not just by his word, but by personal 
example as well. Throughout his life, Shevchenko organized and 
participated in societies promoting the liberation of Ukraine from the 
Russian Empire, which cost him his freedom on several occasions and 
ultimately cost him his life. Still his legacy endures and on this day 
we celebrate Shevchenko's great spirit of love for Ukraine, freedom and 
equality.
  As a longtime supporter of the Ukrainian American community, I 
welcome the community's efforts to unite and stand strong on the issues 
that concern it in the United States and Ukraine. More than ever 
Ukraine needs a strong, unified voice in the United States to highlight 
Ukraine's achievements and evaluate its current policies. I am glad to 
see that Ukrainian Americans remain active in political and civic life 
in the United States and continue to cooperate with the governments of 
the United States and Ukraine.

                          ____________________