Honor Ukraine’s Independence Anniversary

Assembly Resolution No. 584 BY: M. of A. Mayer COMMEMORATING the 26th Anniversary of the renewed Independence of Ukraine WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commemorate historical events which exemplify the spirit and struggle of peoples throughout the world to achieve independence and live in peace and freedom; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 26th Anniversary of the renewed Independence of Ukraine; and WHEREAS, 26 years ago, acceding to the will of the Ukrainian people for a democratic future and an end to the brutal totalitarian regime whose crimes against humanity cost the lives of millions of their brethren, the Parliament of Ukraine formally declared an independent Ukrainian state on August 24, 1991, thereby establishing the territorial integrity of Ukraine as sovereign and inviolable; and WHEREAS, After centuries of colonial rule, the freedom-loving peoples of Ukraine, continue to face threats against their continued independence; and WHEREAS, As passed by the United States Congress, and signed into law by the President, it is the policy of the United States to assist the Government of Ukraine in maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity; and WHEREAS, Ukraine continues to demonstrate its commitment to democracy, including during the 2004 Orange Revolution demonstrations aimed at preserving open and fair democracy within the country; and WHEREAS, The efforts of the Ukrainian American community to preserve their language, culture and history must be acknowledged and, encouraged, for the sake of future generations; such preservation has allowed Ukrainian Americans to make significant contributions to the cultural fabric of this great nation; and WHEREAS, New York State has benefited tremendously from the innovative spirit, rich culture, and determined work ethic of its Ukrainian American residents, who share the collective values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law; and WHEREAS, According to the 2000 United States Census, approximately

148,700 Ukrainian Americans make the State of New York their home; and WHEREAS, About a third of approximately 80,000 Ukrainian Americans living in New York City, reside in an area known as "Little Ukraine", or the "Ukrainian East Village", which is located within the East Village neighborhood in Manhattan; and WHEREAS, In addition, the Ukrainian Cultural Center of Buffalo estimates between 10,000 and 15,000 Ukrainian Americans live in Western New York; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the great contributions which Ukrainians have brought to our State and Nation, and to wish them all continued success in their purposeful endeavors; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 26th Anniversary of the renewed Independence of Ukraine; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York.