GREETINGS ON THE 22ND ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE’S INDEPENDENCE
August 24, 1991 - August 24, 2013
Dear Friends!
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and all its member organizations extend greetings and best wishes to the Ukrainian Canadian community and the people of Ukraine on the occasion of the 22nd Anniversary of Ukraine's independence.
Twenty two years ago, the people of Ukraine resoundingly voted to peacefully establish a free and independent Ukrainian state. In gaining its independence, Ukraine left behind the oppression of the Soviet Union to join the community of independent nations, with political and policy decision-making being made in Kyiv, not Moscow. The adoption of the declaration of Independence marked a return to democracy in Ukraine following centuries of Tsarist autocracy and decades of Communist dictatorship.
Thus began the difficult process of creating a modern, democratic, and prosperous Ukrainian state, united under the proud banner of the blue and yellow national flag, with Ukrainian being restored to its rightful place as the official state language.
Two decades later, Ukraine continues to struggle to overcome the legacy of repression and foreign domination, there are disturbing signs that efforts are being made to undo many of the hard-won achievements of Ukrainian independence, and to challenge Ukraine’s language, national and territorial integrity, human rights and democracy.
In this context, it is crucial for all Ukrainians, both in Ukraine and in the Diaspora, to work together to ensure that the principles upon which Ukraine’s independence was established are not eroded or compromised.
In 1991, Canada became the first Western nation to recognize Ukraine’s independence, and since that time Canada has been a stalwart friend of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress continues to work with the Government of Canada and Ukrainian Canadians to use this special relationship and our multitude of historical, familial, and organizational ties with Ukraine, to encourage its continued democratic, economic and cultural development.
