[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18570]
[From the U.S. 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 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historical documents.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.

                          ____________________