Assembly Resolution No. 584

BY: M. of A. Mayer

COMMEMORATING the 26th 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
freedom; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 26th Anniversary of the renewed Independence of Ukraine;
and

WHEREAS, 26 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
independence; 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,
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
innovative spirit, rich culture, and determined work ethic of its
Ukrainian American 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
estimates 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 26th Anniversary of the renewed Independence of Ukraine;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York.