Ukrainians in this city in my district founded St. Marys parish. And. like so many other churches established by hardy immigrant groups. it became the center of a new life for Ukrainians in America. From that day in the early 1600s. when Ivan Bohdan landed in Virginia to aid Capt. John Smith in building the Jamestown colony. Ukrainian immigrants have had a significant impact on the growth and development of our Nation. Most Ukrainians came to America to escape political and religious persecution. The life of the early Ukrainian immigrant was not easy. Initially faced with poverty. hardship. and sometimes prejudice. they managed to overcome many of these burdens and to render this country the benefits of their skills and cultural heritage. Our Nation is all the richer for these stalwart citizens. who have the strength that comes from strongly held religious conviction and a deeply ingrained sense of justiceand as its members recall. six decades of growthAs St. Marys celebrates its 60th anniversary. all of us are reminded that we are a nation of immigrants and our tradition has been made rich because of it.
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immigrant immigrants