Getting ready to celebrate

Ukrainians in Ukraine and Ukrainian communities throughout the world are finalizing their preparations for a rare celebration — the 25th anniversary of restoration of Ukraine’s independence, the longest period of independence in over a century, a week from today, Aug. 24.
On that day, 25 years ago, the parliament of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, a de facto colony of Communist Russia, declared that there will be no more “Soviet Socialist Republic,” but a sovereign, free and independent nation Ukraine.
The parliament’s resolution was solemnly signed by Chairman Leonid Kravchuk, who was elected the first president of the new nation.
The celebrations will take place in various places, from Ukraine’s ancient capital Kyiv, where a military parade will be one of the features, to all other major and smaller cities throughout Ukraine, to the Ukrainian communities in Canada, United States, Australia, etc.
The North Port and Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community will be joined by public officials at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 24, at North Port’s City Hall for a traditional ceremony of raising flags of the United States and Ukraine by members of the local Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, Inc., while the national anthems of the two nations will be played. In addition, a proclamation declaring Aug. 24 “Ukrainian Independence Day” will be read by Mayor Jacqueline Moore and Ukrainian American community “mayor,” president of “Hromadskyi Komitet” Professor Vira Bodnaruk will speak also.
At 9 a.m., Aug. 24, there will be a festive breakfast at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, 4100 S. Biscayne Dr., North Port, to which all are invited.
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The Ukrainian American community of St. Petersburg, Florida, will hold the 25th Independence of Ukraine commemoration on Sunday, Aug. 28, starting with an ecumenical Divine Liturgy (Mass) at 10 a.m. at Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church.
A commemorative plaque dedicated to the “Heavenly Hundred,” the more than 100 demonstrators murdered by former president Yanukovych’s thugs during the “Revolution of Dignity” (November 2013-February 2014), will be blessed and installed after the liturgy (estimated time: 11:15 a.m.).
Many other activities are planned by the organizers, which include several members of North Port’s Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans. North Port and Southwest Florida Ukrainian American community is invited to the ceremonies, and many are planning to attend.
Ukrainian armed forces officers now stationed at CENTCOM will attend. Officers of NATO countries are invited also.
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Congratulations to Pat Zalisko, of Estero, member of the local UNWLA Branch (“Soyuz Ukrayinok” — Union of Ukrainian Ladies), and parishioner of North Port’s Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, for having her art displayed in the August issue of Gulf Shore Life magazine, which is widely available in Southwest Florida.
Pat Zalisko, a successful lawyer from New York City, took up painting after retiring and had several successful exhibits of her art in various New York City and other galleries during the past several years.
Email: atanask@aol.com 
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians