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OUR LIFE Monthly, published by Ukrainian National Women’s League o f America Vol. LXV APRIL 2008 Editor: TAMARA STADNYCHENKO From the Desk of the President The UNWLA Executive Committee and the editor congratulate Marta Tamawsky on being awarded the Ukrainian Government's Order of Princess Olha, Third Degree. Congratulations to Oksana Lykhovyd who was recently recognized by the Ukrainian Government as "Honored Composer and Artist." Many Ukrainians all over the world are celebrating Easter this month, and I extend my best wishes to all during this season of joy that unites us in faith and hope. But while we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, we must also remember the Chomobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. Twenty-two years have passed since the day the world learned about this tragedy, but like many sad events in the history of Ukraine, the explosion of the nuclear reactor and the after effects of this tragedy have been blurred by the passage of time. Some have forgotten; others, especially the children and grandchildren of those who experienced the tragedy from a safe distance, do not even know that this catastrophe occurred. This point was made painfully clear to me when I was asked to speak on the topic of Chomobyl to students at NY University, most of whom had never heard of Chomobyl or the events that occurred there in 1986. It is, therefore, important for UNWLA members, branches, and regional councils to commemorate this event within their communities, to remind those who have forgotten and to teach those who have never learned. Through the ages, Ukraine has been the victim of continuous invasions by neighboring countries that not only enslaved our people but also stole items of great value. Many of these treasures can be found in museum collections in Russia, Germany, Austria, and elsewhere. In 1972, UNWLA President I. Rozhankov- ska wrote about an exhibit of artifacts in Linz, Austria. The exhibit consisted of artifacts from Trypilian and Scythian cultures from archeological findings in Ukraine, artifacts that were once part of the collection of the Ukrainian National Historical Museum in Kyiv. Like many other treasures, they were appropriated by conquering armies—a cultural exploitation that was as devastating to Ukraine as other forms of oppression. We see the worst signs of this exploitation in Russian museums, an extension of a much greater theft—that of our identity as a nation. Even today, there are many in Russia who claim that Ukraine has always been a part of Russia. These persistent lies are proclaimed as tmth, vociferously and steadily, by people like Russia’s former president Vladimir Putin and his successor, who would like nothing better than to reclaim Ukraine and absorb it into an empire where Russia again reigns supreme. We must respond to these lies and must work diligently to ensure the world leams the true history of Ukraine, for it is truth that will safeguard Ukraine’s destiny as a sovereign state and will prevent the tragedies of the past from recurring. UNWLA members know the value of our inherited past, not only in Ukraine but in this country. It was for this reason that the UNWLA founded the Ukrainian Museum in New York. One of the most important cultural institutions in this city, it is a cherished symbol of our heritage and attracts thousands of visitors each year. I encourage all UNWLA members to visit this wonderful museum and to share its splendid exhibits with American friends. I close this month’s message with a reminder that our 28th UNWLA convention is only a month away. I look forward to seeing all of you at this important event. The UNWLA will be 83 years young this year, and there is much for us to do. Remember that you play a major role shaping the future of our organization; don’t miss this opportunity to participate in this process. Thank you and God bless you.
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