Misplaced Pages

#862137

54-568: Soyuzivka's mission is to promote, preserve and share Ukrainian culture. With its programs, Soyuzivka aims to instill pride in Ukrainian heritage among Ukrainian North American youth and to showcase Ukrainian culture to a North American audience. In 1952, the Ukrainian National Association , a fraternal organization established in 1894, purchased the property in response to the need of its growing Ukrainian community for

108-399: A "Workshop" for advanced teens and young adults and the following four weeks are two-week sessions of "Dance Camp" geared towards all levels. Over 400 children participate annually in this program. The most advanced dancers are featured (after the completion of a two-week intensive Dance Workshop) at Soyuzivka's annual cultural festival. Actress Vera Farmiga spent many summers at Soyuzivka, as

162-785: A National Convention. In the introduction to its National Constitution, the Mission of the Ukrainian American Veterans is stated: The UAV seeks to unite American Veterans of Ukrainian descent and is pledged to sustain the Constitution, Government and Laws of the United States. In Article II of its National Constitution, the following Objectives of the Ukrainian American Veterans are listed: a) To unite, strengthen, and preserve in comradeship, all American Veterans of Ukrainian descent. b) To perpetuate

216-519: A National Scholarship Fund and the election of a Scholarship Officer to the National Executive Board. The Scholarship Officer conducts an annual fund drive to replenish the scholarship fund, and selects a Scholarship Committee which reviews applications and awards scholarships. To be eligible for a UAV scholarship, applicants must be descendants or related to a Ukrainian American Veteran and be a full-time matriculated college student in

270-466: A cultural center. Soyuzivka provided language workshops, heritage studies, festivals, concerts, dances, art exhibits and children's summer camps. It has been providing this service for over 50 years. Soyuzivka thrived under the leadership of Walter Kwas, a great supporter of the arts, who dedicated his entire life to bettering the center, and was the person responsible for inviting fine artists, musicians and dancers to exhibit, hold recitals and workshops at

324-592: A degree program. Undergraduate students may reapply for scholarship awards up to four times. After Ukraine obtained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, sending aid to Ukraine became a new activity for the Ukrainian American Veterans. Dr. Ihor Zachary of Ohio Post 24 may have been the earliest organizer of aid, when he worked with the Children of Chernobyl Relief Fund Committee in August 1992 to bring

378-558: A design for a memorial to be erected on Memorial Plaza, Cleveland Mall "A" for war casualties. In addition to its formal activities, the UAV exists as a social group where members can share camaraderie with other American veterans of Ukrainian heritage. Social activities, mainly organized at the Post level, can vary anywhere from barbecues, baseball games, and bingo, to banquets and ballroom dances. However, social contacts have also reached beyond

432-532: A hockey rink, soccer field, swimming pools, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. The center partners with Chornomorska Sitch , a Ukrainian-American sports organization, to provide sports camps for children of Ukrainian descent. Ukrainian heritage and language are also emphasized in all the programs. In joint partnership with Ukraine's embassy in Washington D.C., a workshop is offered to families who have adopted children from Ukraine. The programs seeks to address

486-487: A major draw for concerts and dances during summers in the mid-1970s. More recently, noted performing artists have visited Soyuzivka, including Vitaly Kozlovsky in 2008 and Ruslana in 2009, who performed during annual Ukrainian Cultural Festivals. Ruslana returned to Soyuzivka amid heavy unrest in Ukraine on July 10 and 11, 2014. Haydamaky appeared in 2010 and Maria Burmaka in 2011. Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary fame,

540-457: A name for the group, and settled on Ukrainian American Veterans. A Constitution and By-Laws was adopted. A National Commander and National Executive Board were elected to lead the organization. Various resolutions were adopted, and it was decided that subsequent conventions would be held on an annual basis. Any person of Ukrainian heritage or descent shall be eligible for membership in the Ukrainian American Veterans, if such person has served in

594-525: A participant in the dance camps and workshops. Courses for teachers in Ukrainian-language schools have been offered since at least the 1980s. These are two-week intensive certification programs for teaching the Ukrainian language, as well as its history, culture and literature. Since the 1990s, offerings have included Ukrainian cultural courses, including language immersion, and heritage camps for English speakers. Soyuzivka's facilities include

SECTION 10

#1732802524863

648-552: A prolonged stay in the hospital, and were in dire need of funds. An annual fund drive is conducted by the National Welfare Officer to replenish the Welfare Fund. Post Commanders apply for a Welfare Fund grant or loan on behalf of a post member. Neither a Post Commander nor the National Welfare Officer is permitted to disclose the name of the applicant. The 48th National Convention authorized the creation of

702-456: A state level organization known as a State Department for the purposes of coordination and administration. There can be a total of 51 State Departments; one for each of the 50 states, and the District of Columbia. A State Department Commander or Department Board Officer is distinguished by a white garrison cap with blue lettering and blue piping. The authority of the Ukrainian American Veterans

756-599: Is a 501(c)(19) non-profit organization of the United States, composed of Honorably Discharged Veterans of the United States Armed Forces , who are of Ukrainian heritage or descent . The UAV obtained its tax-exempt status from the IRS in 1984 and was incorporated in the State of New York in 1987. The organization is governed by a volunteer National Executive Board (NEB), headed by a National Commander, elected at

810-708: Is a North American fraternal organization founded in Shamokin, Pennsylvania on February 22, 1894, when the first wave of immigrants from the territories of today's Western Ukraine came to the United States and Canada . Originally called the Ruthenian National Union ( Ukrainian : Руський Народний Союз ), it was partly established to counter the influence of the Hungarian-oriented Greek Catholic Union of

864-532: Is home to many important works of art by the most famous of Ukrainian sculptors, who were commissioned to provide busts of the most famous Ukrainian literary, historic, political and religious figures. These include the busts of Lesia Ukrainka , poet; Taras Shevchenko , poet; Cardinal Josyf Slipyj , leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Church; the Rev. Hryhoriy Hrushka, the founding editor of Svoboda,

918-623: Is the one currently in use: The purpose of the National Welfare Fund is to provide assistance in the form of grants to veteran members, their families, or a Ukrainian American Veterans Post, as aid in times of distress; also to provide gifts or grants to the Ukrainian American men or women serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. This article provides grants to veterans who underwent major surgery, had

972-399: Is used for formal business such as meetings and a coordination point for local projects. Often the Post will host community events such as bingo, breakfasts, and holiday celebrations. It is also not uncommon for the Post to contain a bar open during limited hours. A Post member is distinguished by a navy blue garrison cap with gold lettering and gold piping. The Posts are grouped together into

1026-467: Is vested in the National Executive Board (NEB), which meets quarterly or as needed, to conduct the business of the organization. The NEB is headed by a National Commander, who presides over meetings. Other NEB officers may include: Vice Commander, Adjutant, Judge Advocate, Finance Officer, Quartermaster, Chaplain, Historian, Public Relations Officer. A National Commander is distinguished by a gold garrison cap with blue lettering and blue piping. An Officer of

1080-745: The Cold War , the UNA advocated on behalf of Ukraine's independence. It also sponsored the creation of a Ukrainian Studies Center at Harvard University , the erection of the Taras Shevchenko Monument in Washington, D.C., and the publication of Ukraine: a concise encyclopedia . UNA retains a close relationship with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA . Membership is open to those of Ukrainian descent or married to

1134-652: The Mikhail Stenko in April and did the same for the Banner of October in August. UAV members have served in various roles as community representatives and leaders. In 1978, New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne signed Executive Order 65, which established the Ethnic Advisory Council in the state. In 1982, Governor Tom Kean appointed Andrew Keybida of N.J. Post 17 as a Ukrainian representative and

SECTION 20

#1732802524863

1188-489: The Ukrainian Catholic Church . UAV National Commander Harry Polche was quoted during the ceremony: We stand here with pride and reverence, and we pause a moment to remember all the brave men who gave their lives for this country throughout its history. They paid the supreme sacrifice for freedom, for human dignity, for everyone's hopes and dreams and rights, above all, for peace in the world. We pray that

1242-535: The 1948 Convention, a National organization did not materialize until March, 1974. Rosalie Polche was elected temporary President to lead the group at that time. At the 27th UAV National Convention, in June 1974, at Jersey City, N.J., the Ladies Auxiliary was officially recognized as a part of the Ukrainian American Veterans organization. A Constitution and By-Laws was adopted the following year, in June 1975, at

1296-467: The 3rd Infantry Division (1987–1989), who not only translated but also acted as a facilitator between generals of both armies. About a dozen other Ukrainian-speaking military officers and NCOs accompanied the U.S. Forces as interpreters, including Spc. Yaro Rohowsky, Maj. Roman Golash, Spc. Bohdan Мак, Maj. Roman Hayda, Maj. Gregory Perchatsch, Capt. Lia Mastronardi, Spc. Peter Lysenko, Spc. Oleg Sopel, USAF Capt. Marta Galuga and others. Having fluent linguists

1350-410: The Armed Forces of the United States and has been honorably discharged. Any person who is not of Ukrainian descent, but who meets other requirements of eligibility and is married to a person of Ukrainian descent will be eligible for full membership in the UAV. The Post is the basic unit of the UAV and usually represents a local geographic area such as a metropolitan area, city, town, or county. The Post

1404-467: The N.J. State Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission. Miziuk served for two years as an advisor. The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial was completed and unveiled in 1995. UAV N.J. Post 30 has a special marker dedicated to Major Myron F. Diduryk at the State Memorial. In 1993, Past National Commander Roman Rakowsky of Ohio Post 24 served as a juror on a Cleveland Veterans committee to select

1458-641: The National Convention in Spring Valley, N.Y. The Ukrainian American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary is an organization with dedicated, empowered women across the country, who are devoted to America's veterans, children and youth, with the notion of inspiring Auxiliary members' communities. The Ukrainian American Veterans organize and participate in various patriotic ceremonies, including: Armed Forces Day , Memorial Day , Independence Day , Veterans Day , and others. These are usually hosted at

1512-519: The National Executive Board is distinguished by a garrison cap with a blue crown and gold peak, gold lettering and gold piping. A Ladies Auxiliary to the Ukrainian American Veterans has been established. The Ukrainian American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary is a U.S.-headquartered patriotic service organization for women interested in voluntary service. It is a non-profit organization, affiliated with The Ukrainian American Veterans. Although individual Ladies Auxiliary units existed alongside UAV Posts prior to

1566-716: The National level, the UAV participated in a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on June 27, 1964, at the dedication of the Taras Shevchenko statue . Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was present as the keynote speaker. The UAV participated and marched in a parade in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 1976, to mark the Bicentennial of American Independence, sponsored by the Ukrainian Bicentennial Committee. A few days later, on June 27, 1976,

1620-418: The Post level. The ceremonies may include visitation to cemeteries and marching in parades. Many individual UAV Posts have placed memorial markers or monuments in a cemetery that is centrally located for them. These monuments are the gathering place for members during Memorial Day and Veterans Day services. Many Posts also commemorate Ukrainian Independence Day as a holiday, which was observed on January 22 in

1674-571: The U.S. Veterans Administration distribution of duplicate medical journals to Russia, but not other former Soviet republics. The result was, the U.S. Administration released duplicates of medical journals to Ohio Post 24, which shipped them to Ukraine. From May 22 to June 1, 1995, the Armed Forces of the U.S. and Ukraine conducted joint peacekeeping exercises in the Lviv area, known as " Operation Peace Shield ". The U.S. forces were assisted by Major General (ret.) Nicholas S. H. Krawciw , former commander of

Soyuzivka - Misplaced Pages Continue

1728-511: The USA . The Union adopted the newspaper Svoboda (Liberty) as its organ and sought to develop a distinctly Ukrainian identity. It offered to provide for material needs, such as funeral expenses and care for destitute members while also promoting Ukrainian culture . The Union later changed its name to the Ukrainian National Association in order to assert a specifically Ukrainian ethnocultural identity. During

1782-722: The Ukrainian American Veterans, along with representatives of the Veterans of the First Division of the Ukrainian National Army, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath laying was preceded by a memorial service (Moleben), which was conducted jointly by Metropolitan Mstyslav Skrypnyk of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA , and Bishop Basil Losten of

1836-480: The Ukrainian American Veterans, one of the main activities of the group has been to work on charitable projects, such as the Welfare Fund, Scholarship Fund, and sending aid to Ukraine. After the National UAV was established, there was a desire among the membership to have a "National Welfare Fund" to assist veterans in need. The by-laws of the fund changed several times over the years; the version adopted in 1992

1890-417: The first Ukrainian American Veteran member to serve on the Ethnic Advisory Council. Keybida would serve on the council for 10 years, well into the term of the next Governor, James J. Florio . In 1994, Governor Christine Todd-Whitman appointed George A. Miziuk of N.J. Post 25 as a Ukrainian representative on the Ethnic Advisory Council. Miziuk would serve for three years, until he moved to Florida and gave up

1944-416: The memory and deeds of our comrades who gave their lives to secure, for us, the blessings of Liberty. c) To foster and perpetuate our American way of life. d) To uphold the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America. e) To guard and defend the United States of America from all her enemies. f) To promote a spirit of peace and goodwill amongst all the peoples on earth. g) To preserve

1998-548: The oldest continuously published Ukrainian-language newspaper in the US (established in 1893); and Hetman Ivan Mazepa , the legendary leader of Ukraine in the 17th century. The most notable statue is that of Taras Shevchenko , donated by Alexander Archipenko . Edward Kozak's relief paintings of Ukrainian dancers adorn the Veselka Hall, where exhibitions and recitals are held. Montreal based recording artists Rushnychok became

2052-691: The organization founded the Soyuzivka Heritage Center in the Catskills for use as a cultural center by its members. The association founded the weekly English language newspaper, The Ukrainian Weekly and the Ukrainian language daily Svoboda and the monthly Veselka . It also sponsors summer school, folk dances, cultural events and charitable giving. Ukrainian American Veterans The Ukrainian American Veterans (UAV, Ukrainian : Українські Американські Ветерани , romanized :  Ukrains'ki Amerykans'ki Veterany )

2106-561: The past. After 1991, the date of observance was changed to August 24 . Representatives of UAV State Departments often participate in patriotic ceremonies, such as Proclamation signings that are sponsored by the Governor's Office or Resolution readings that are passed by the State Legislature. State Department Officers are also frequently invited to attend an annual "Governor's Review" of the State's National Guard troops. At

2160-544: The position. In 1980, Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh established the Pennsylvania Heritage Affairs Advisory Commission, and appointed Past National Commander Walter "Tommy" Darmopray of Penna. Post 1 as a Ukrainian representative on the commission. In 1991, New Jersey Commissioner of Veteran Affairs Dick Bernard (under Governor James J. Florio ) invited State Commander George A. Miziuk to serve as an advisor to

2214-557: The preparations for Post 1 to host a National Convention at the Penn Sheraton Hotel in Philadelphia, during Memorial Day Weekend of 1948 (May 29–31, 1948). Fifty-five delegates arrived to participate in the first National Convention, from such cities as Bayonne, N.J., Clifton, N.J., Newark, N.J., New York City, N.Y., Perth Amboy, N.J., Philadelphia, Pa., Rome, N.Y., and Troy, N.Y. The delegates discussed variations on

Soyuzivka - Misplaced Pages Continue

2268-443: The principles of Justice, Liberty and Democracy for ourselves and our posterity. h) To assist all comrades in distress as well as all the widows and orphans of our fallen comrades. i) To maintain the Ukrainian identity in a status of high esteem and respect in these, our United States. j) To provide scholarships to students who are descendants of or related to Ukrainian American veterans. Ukrainian American Veterans Post 1

2322-632: The problems these children may have integrating into American culture and help these parents have a greater understanding of the culture of their new children. Soyuzivka is also a venue that is used frequently by various Ukrainian organizations for conventions and reunions, such as the Ukrainian American Veterans and the Ukrainian National Women's League of America . Soyuzivka has always been host to important dignitaries of Ukrainian descent. Cardinal Josyf Slipyj

2376-508: The resort are Jack Palance , Mike Mazurki , Miss USA and others. 41°45′31″N 74°18′44″W  /  41.758697°N 74.312285°W  / 41.758697; -74.312285  ( Soyuzivka ) Ukrainian National Association The Ukrainian National Association (UNA) ( Ukrainian : Український народний союз ), known before 1914 as the Ruthenian National Union ( Ukrainian : Руський Народний Союз ),

2430-534: The resort during the summer months and holidays. Kwas modeled the resort after the architecture of the Carpathian mountains, with the famous woodcarver, Cherniovsky, embellishing the individual buildings that made up the premises. Each of these buildings was named after a city or region in Ukraine. Many artists exhibited there over the years, including Slava Gerulak , Jacques Hnizdovsky , Liuboslav Hutsaliuk , Edward Kozak , Halyna Mazepa and others. Soyuzivka

2484-526: The same. People under sixteen must join the junior division. In 1965 the UNA had 84,414 members. By 1979 this had declined to 81,000. There were 69,000 members in 1995. It now has more than 50,000 members in the United States and Canada, who own over $ 170 million in life insurance protection in the UNA. In 1979 the UNA had 465 local units in the US and Canada in twenty-nine districts in 1979. Its headquarters were in Jersey City, New Jersey . In 1952,

2538-469: The state, and asking them to donate their surplus medical equipment, which was then shipped to hospitals in Ukraine. Enthusiasm for the project was so great from members, that all of the posts in New Jersey participated, and the posts in surrounding states (Connecticut and New York) wanted to pitch in. In 1993, National Commander Roman Rakowsky wrote to President Bill Clinton, voicing his concern about

2592-666: The world will achieve that peace soon. The UAV has placed a Memorial Plaque at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor , Honolulu , Hawaii . Past National Commander Bohdan Bezkorowajny, accompanied by his wife Anne of the UAV Ladies Auxiliary and Past National Commander Walter Bacad, presented the plaque to the U.S. Navy in 1980. The UAV has also placed a Memorial Plaque at Arlington National Cemetery , near Washington, D.C. An additional Marker

2646-542: The world's largest aircraft, the AN-225 Mria, to Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. The crew of the plane was on a mission to collect medicine and medical instruments for the children of Chornobyl. In 1993, Robert Gulay of New Jersey Post 25 started the "Adopt a Hospital" project, with the assistance of NJ State Commander George A. Miziuk. The Adopt a Hospital Program involved contacting hospitals in

2700-529: Was a special guest at the festival, performing with Ukrainian folk singer Maria Burmaka. Soyuzivka is home to the Roma Pryma Dance Academy, a lasting legacy of choreographer Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky whose summer camps continue to this day. The Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble organizes intensive dance camps and workshops for six weeks of instruction in total. The camps satisfy all levels of amateur Ukrainian folk dance. The first two weeks are

2754-749: Was essential for this mission. Since January 1995, Lt. Col. Yaro Oryshkevych M.D., D.C. Air National Guard, has been building a database of fluent Ukrainian speakers in both the active and reserve components of all branches of the service. Overall, Operation Peace Shield had 17 Ukrainian speakers and 19 Russian speakers. Many of the Ukrainian-speaking personnel were also UAV members. In 1999, Commander Taras Szczur of New York Post 301 organized and sent aid to different Ukrainian freight ships, which were stranded in New York Harbor. The Post sent hundreds of pounds of meat, rice and other provisions to

SECTION 50

#1732802524863

2808-722: Was formed in September 1921 in Philadelphia. Other posts were organized in different cities, but due to great distance and lack of numbers, a national organization did not materialize in this time period. After World War II, a larger number of veterans emerged, new posts were formed, and interest rose in creating an organization of national scope. During the 1947 Convention of the Ukrainian Youth League of North America, several delegates met and expressed their desire to form such an association. Major Michael Darmopray (Ukrainian transliteration: Darmohray , Дармограй ) made

2862-611: Was honored during his first US visit, after his release from a Soviet prison, right after the Pope nominated him Cardinal. Soyuzivka also hosted the first president of an independent Ukraine, President Leonid Kravchuk in 1992. During the 1980s, 1990s and more recently, leaders and political dissidents, championing the rights of Ukraine's self-determination, were asked to lecture and meet with the community. These included Valentyn Moroz (dissident), Mykola Horyn, Taras Chornovil and others. Well-known guests that visited and attended benefits at

2916-535: Was placed at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Michigan , in 1996. In 2005, National Commander Anna Krawczuk announced that a UAV National Monument would be built at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery, in South Bound Brook , New Jersey. The UAV Monument would be an ideal gathering place on St. Thomas Sunday and other holidays, to remember all Ukrainian American Veterans. Since the creation of

#862137