Assembly Resolution No. 295

BY: M. of A. Barnwell

COMMEMORATING the Ukrainian American community's
celebration of the Day of Vyshyvanka on May 20,
2021, in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the Ukrainian American community's celebration of the Day of
Vyshyvanka on May 20, 2021, in the State of New York; this event,
celebrated annually on the third Thursday of May, has grown into a
global and cultural opportunity for the numerous Ukrainian communities
around the world, and a national statement inside the country; and

WHEREAS, A vyshyvanka is a traditional embroidered Ukrainian blouse;
while its styles, designs, and vibrant colors vary across regions, all
vyshyvankas are united in their meaning as a symbol of pride of
Ukrainian culture and history; 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 rich
culture, determined work ethic, and extraordinary spirit of these
indomitable people; Ukrainian American residents share the collective
values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, Within the United States, New York State has the largest
population of individuals of Ukrainian descent; according to the 2000
United States Census, approximately 148,700 Ukrainian Americans have
made the State of New York their home; and

WHEREAS, Approximately one third of 80,000 people of Ukrainian
descent 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; in addition, the Ukrainian
Cultural Center of Buffalo, New York estimates between 10,000 and 15,000
Ukrainian Americans live in Western New York State; and

WHEREAS, The vyshyvanka serves as a marker of Ukrainian identity and
patriotism to Ukrainians; today, people of Ukrainian descent wear a
vyshyvanka during the third Thursday of the month of May; the act is a
simple but powerful expression of cultural pride and love for one's home
country; and

WHEREAS, The act of wearing a vyshyvanka is the main purpose of the
holiday, but it is often accompanied by parades, festivals, and other

public festivities that celebrate the country's history, culture, and
language; and

WHEREAS, On this day, Ukrainians wear vyshyvankas to demonstrate
adherence to the idea of national identity; uniting Ukrainians,
regardless of their gender, religious beliefs, or political opinions,
these traditional embroidered Ukrainian blouses are dedicated to
perpetuating the history and traditions of the culture; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Ukrainian American community's celebration of the Day of
Vyshyvanka on May 20, 2021, in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Ukrainian American community throughout the State of
New York.