LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the renewed
Independence of Ukraine

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commemorate
historical events which exemplify the spirit and struggle of peoples
throughout the world to achieve independence and live in peace and free-
dom; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 25th Anniversary of the renewed Independence of Ukraine; and
WHEREAS, 25 years ago, acceding to the will of the Ukrainian people
for a democratic future and an end to the brutal totalitarian regime
whose crimes against humanity cost the lives of millions of their
brethren, the Parliament of Ukraine formally declared an independent
Ukrainian state on August 24, 1991, thereby establishing the territorial
integrity of Ukraine as sovereign and inviolable; and
WHEREAS, After centuries of colonial rule, the freedom-loving peoples
of Ukraine, continue to face threats against their continued independ-
ence; and
WHEREAS, As passed by the United States Congress, and signed into law
by the President, it is the policy of the United States to assist the
Government of Ukraine in maintaining its sovereignty and territorial
integrity; and
WHEREAS, Ukraine continues to demonstrate its commitment to democracy,
including during the 2004 Orange Revolution demonstrations aimed at
preserving open and fair democracy within the country; and
WHEREAS, The efforts of the Ukrainian American community to preserve
their language, culture and history must be acknowledged and, encour-
aged, 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 innovative
spirit, rich culture, and determined work ethic of its Ukrainian Ameri-
can residents, who share the collective values of freedom, democracy and
the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, According to the 2000 United States Census, approximately
148,700 Ukrainian Americans make the State of New York their home; and
WHEREAS, About a third of approximately 80,000 Ukrainian Americans
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; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Ukrainian Cultural Center of Buffalo esti-
mates between 10,000 and 15,000 Ukrainian Americans live in Western New
York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
great contributions which Ukrainians have brought to our State and
Nation, and to wish them all continued success in their purposeful
endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the renewed Independence of Ukraine;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York.