UNWLA celebrates 90 years; UAV memorial dedicated

Last week’s monthly membership meeting of North Port Branch 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian Ladies), was dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the organization. President Ann-Marie Susla opened the observance after a brief business meeting with the singing of the UNWLA anthem, a moment of silence for departed members and brief remarks. The keynote address was delivered by board member Roxolana Yarymovych, and vice president Lesia Popel recited a poem dedicated to women.

The business meeting, in addition to the mandated reports of officers, dealt with matters related to the traditional annual picnic, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Maxine Barrett Park (next to Sharky’s) in Venice.

Picnic Committee Chair Yara Litosch states there will be a lunch buffet with delicious food and desserts, bingo, door prizes and a short program, at a cost of $8. All are invited.

The annual national board meeting of UNWLA Inc. will take place Friday through Sunday in New York City. Two national board members, Branch 56 members, will be attending — Lidia Bilous of Osprey, Social Welfare chair, and Orysia Zinych of Venice, co-liaison for Branches at Large. The UNWLA 90th anniversary will be celebrated with a banquet in NYC on Saturday.

Also, in connection with and as part of UNWLA’s 90th anniversary observances, the opening of the “Ukrainian Women Artists of the Diaspora” exhibit will take place Sunday at the Ukrainian Museum in New York City. Works of internationally known artist Patricia Zalisko of Estero, a member of Branch 56, will be included in this exhibit.

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 The monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, held last Friday at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center (known as the “Oseredok”), was dominated by the reports of officers and delegates to the UAV 68th National Convention and the formal dedication of the Ukrainian American Veterans Memorial at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Memorial Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J.

The brief business meeting, chaired by Post Commander Col. Roman Rondiak, USA (Ret.), included the review of minutes of the last meeting, a comprehensive report by Finance Officer Oleh Sawkiw, and a review of the status of preparations for the Veterans Day observances next month, including the traditional Post 40 Veterans Day fundraiser luncheon, which will take place Nov. 12 at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club.

UAV national officers and Post 40 delegates who attended the national convention and dedication of the UAV monument were unanimous in applauding the superb organization and massive participation in the ceremony masterfully conducted by Brig. Gen.  Leonid Kondratiuk, UAV past national commander. The U.S. Air Force Color Guard from McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey presented the colors, and the Ukrainian Youth Association Choir of Chicago sang the national anthems of the U.S. and Ukraine, and “America the Beautiful” after the blessings. 

The unveiling and blessing of the monument were preceded by remarks of Metropolitans Anthony and Stefan, of the Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic churches, respectively; Bishop Daniel, Raymond L. Zawacki, deputy commissioner of Veterans Affairs, N.J.; Col. Mykhailo Kyrylenko, military representative of Ukraine to the U.N.; UAV National Commander Ihor W. Hron; Oksana Koziak, president of UAV Auxiliary; and Mathew Koziak, PNC, chairman of the UAV Monument Committee.

The Ukrainian American Veterans Memorial was unveiled Oct. 3 at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Memorial Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn (atanask@aol.com)