On the occasion of the 22-nd Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, the already traditional yearly flag-raising ceremony took place on Thursday, August 22, 2013 in front of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario at Queen’s Park, Toronto.
The ceremony opened at noon with “Baturyn” Concert Marching Band (Conductor and Musical Director Petrusia Chornopyska, Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada, Etobicoke Branch) playing the “Prayer for Ukraine” – the Ukrainian National Sacral Hymn.
The one hour long program included:
- Greetings and opening remarks on behalf of event sponsors – Nadia Gereliouk, League of Ukrainian Canadians, National Executive;
- Greetings and introductions – Orest Steciw, National President, League of Ukrainian Canadians;
- Greetings and remarks by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario – Hon. Dave Levac (MPP for Brant), Liberal Party of Ontario;
- Message from the Premier of Ontario – MPP Dipika Damerla (Mississauga East – Cooksville), Liberal Party of Ontario;
- Message from the Prime Minister of Canada – MP Ted Opitz (Etobicoke Centre), Conservative Party of Canada;
- Commemorative remarks – MP Mike Sullivan (York South-Weston), New Democratic Party of Canada; Hon. Jim Karygianis (MP for Scarborough-Agincourt), Liberal Party of Canada;
MPP Peggy Stattler (London, Ont.), New Democratic Party of Ontario, also representing NDP leader Andrea Horwath and MPP Cheri Di Novo; Christine Elliott (Whitby-Oshawa), Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, also representing PC leader Tim Hudak.
- National anthems of Ukraine and Canada, and raising of the Ukrainian flag – “Baturyn” Concert Marching Band;
- Greeting and remarks by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada – His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko;
- Commemorative remarks – Steve Andrusiak, President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ontario Provincial Council, and by representatives of the Ukrainian
Canadian Students’ Union Emily Bayrachny, Vice-President Central Region, and Artem Chaplynsky, External Relations Director.
The concluding remarks on behalf of event sponsors were delivered by Marko Diaczun, League of Ukrainian Canadians, Etobicoke Branch Executive. In their remarks, the speakers emphasized the following: The sacrifice and price the Ukrainian people had to pay for their independence, their gains and achievements during the 22 years of statehood and freedom; and the challenges the Ukrainians still have to overcome in their quest to consolidate their independence, territorial integrity, a democratic political system, a civic society, and economic and national security.
The cultural part of the program was provided by youthful singers Ivanka and Solomiya Salo, and soloist Dmytro Bilan.
The organizers of the event were the League of Ukrainian Canadians, the League of Ukrainian Canadian Women, the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada (CYM), the Society of Veterans of UPA with the support of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Toronto Branch. The media sponsors were: Forum TV, “Homin Ukrainy” (Ukrainian Echo) newspaper, Song of Ukraine radio program, Radio “Meest” and Radio “Postup”. The event MC was Olenka Laschuk, Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada, Etobicoke Branch. The Ukrainian flag was raised by Michael and Sonia Kostiw and Stefania Sawka of the Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada, Etobicoke Branch.
Among the acknowledged guests at the flag-raising ceremony was former MP and MPP, and well-known Ukrainian Community leader Yuri Shymko, as well as aspiring provincial politicians Ivan Baker (LP) and Pina Martino (PC).
