[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23981]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE 16TH INDEPENDENCE DAY FOR UKRAINE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 7, 2007

  Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, 16 years ago on August 22, 
1991, the Ukrainian parliament adopted the Act of Independence in which 
the parliament declared Ukraine as an independent democratic state. The 
Soviet rule over the region was finally over.
  Today, August 24th, is celebrated as Ukrainian Independence Day.
  Here in the United States, Ukrainian-Americans join together on this 
date to celebrate their nation's democracy. As a example to the rest of 
the world, Ukrainian democracy was created without bloodshed. Today the 
nation enjoys the freedoms of speech, religion and civil liberties and 
boosts one of Europe's strongest economies.
  For the many generations of immigrants that have come from Ukraine to 
the United States, memories of communist rule and hard times during the 
Soviet reign are still prevalent in their minds. However, Ukrainian 
Independence Day is a day where freedom and democracy are celebrated. 
Especially in towns like Irondequoit, NY.
  Irondequoit boosts a strong and vibrant Ukrainian community. Over 
15,000 Ukrainian-Americans call this town their home. There are 2 
Ukrainian churches and it is home to one of the largest annual 
Ukrainian festivals in the country.
  In this light, I would like to recognize all the Ukrainian-Americans 
in Irondequoit as they gather to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day.

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