BRAMA, May 20, 2004, 1:00 pm ET
Press Release
Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Shevchenko Monument in Washington, DC
Washington, D.C. - Four decades ago, on June 27, 1964, the Ukrainian American community marked a significant event - the unveiling of a monument to the Great Kobzar, Taras Shevchenko. U.S. Presidents, as well as many prominent American artists, academicians, and politicians were involved in this noble cause, but thanks to the hard work and generosity of the Ukrainian American community, we are fortunate to celebrate this significant milestone forty years later. Over 100,000 attendees participated in the festivities forty years ago dedicated to the unveiling of the Taras Shevchenko monument. This multi-thousand forum was able to direct international attention to the violations of human rights and freedoms by the former Soviet regime and political repressions against those who struggled for Ukraine's liberation.
This year, on the initiative of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and in cooperation with other Ukrainian American civic organizations, a commemoration of 40th anniversary of the Shevchenko monument unveiling will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2004 at the monument's steps. A national Commemorative Committee comprised of Ukrainian civic organizations and financial institutions was organized to mark this special 40th anniversary. In addition, an Honorary Committee including the hierarchs of the Ukrainian Churches, the Ukrainian ambassador to United States Mykhajlo Reznik, and the president of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has been formed. Members of the U.S. Congress and representatives from the U.S. Administration, as well as members of the Parliament and the Government of Ukraine have been invited to participate in the commemoration.
The manifestation will take place in the square near the Shevchenko monument located at 22nd and P Streets, NW on Saturday, June 26, 2004, at 4 pm. The commemoration will begin with the laying of the flowers at the foot of the monument followed by an ecumenical prayer service (panakhyda) concelebrated by the Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox hierarchy. Performances by artists from Ukraine and the United States will follow opening remarks and an introduction of honored guests. During the festivities, the square near the monument will be closed to traffic.
The 40th jubilee commemoration is an opportunity to proclaim unity within our Ukrainian American community, as well as to point to our strength as a politically, culturally, and civic-minded part of American society. As this is a significant event in our community, the Commemorative Committee urges everyone to attend, in particularly the younger generation and the newly-arrived immigrants from Ukraine. Let us continue our tradition of preserving our national identity and cultural heritage for future generations.
Further information will be supplied in future press releases.
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