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НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ • Березень-Квітень 2025 7 Honoring a Century of Cultural Preservation and Advocacy: Remarks by UNWLA President Natalie Pawlenko at the Young Performers Gala Concert, Carnegie Hall, New York, January 10, 2025 Good evening, everyone, As president of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America, it’s my absolute pleasure to welcome you to this gala concert at Carnegie Hall. Tonight, we celebrate not just the incredible talent of these young performers but also the enduring legacy of Ukrainian music and culture. A Legacy Rooted in Cultural Preservation When the UNWLA was founded in 1925, it was driven by a vision to unite Ukrainian women in the U.S. and safeguard our rich heritage. From the very start, we’ve been dedicated to preserving and sharing the beauty of Ukrainian culture — whether through supporting artists, advocating for education, or creating institutions like The Ukrainian Mu- seum in New York City. Our mission has always been clear: to ensure that the essence of Ukraine’s identity thrives, even if we are far from our homeland. Resilience in the Face of Cultural Erasure Over the past hundred years, russia has repeatedly tried to erase Ukrainian culture. They banned our music, suppressed our language, burned our books, stole our most valuable historical artifacts, tried to rewrite our history — all in an attempt to convince the world that Ukraine does not exist. But here we are. Ukrainian culture has sur - vived every attempt to silence it because of the determination and passion of our people. And now, as russia wages war against Ukraine, they are once again trying to obliterate our identity — bombing libraries, silencing artists, and destroying cultural treasures. But history tells us something impor - tant: they won’t succeed. They never have. Ukrainian culture isn’t just surviving; it’s flourishing, as tonight’s concert so beautifully proves. Celebrating 100 Years of Dedication This year, the UNWLA marks 100 years of dedication to cultural preservation and advocacy. Reaching this milestone reminds us how vital it is to keep promoting and protecting Ukrainian heritage, espe- cially through music — a universal language that transcends borders and brings people together. The Transformative Power of Music Music has always been more than entertainment; it is a connection to who we are. It is resistance, it is hope, and it is inspiration. Tonight, these young performers are carrying forward a legacy that speaks louder than any act of destruction. Let’s celebrate their talent and the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainian culture. Together, we are ensuring that the melodies of our heritage will resonate for generations to come. As we reflect on the resilience of Ukrainian culture and the power of music to unite and inspire, it’s only fitting that we acknowledge a tireless advocate for Ukraine on the world stage. Ambassador Serhiy Kyslytsia, Ukraine’s Permanent Repre - sentative to the United Nations, has been a steadfast voice de- fending Ukraine’s sovereignty, culture, and values in one of the most critical forums of our time. Ambassador Kyslytsia’s unwa- vering dedication reminds us that advocacy isn’t just about policies or speeches; it’s about preserving the heart and soul of a nation. We wish him godspeed and strength as he embarks on the next phase of his work for Ukraine back in our homeland. And now, please enjoy to- night’s amazing performances. Editor’s note: Read our report about the concert in the Janu- ary-February 2025 issue of Our Life, page 16.
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