Speech #980001006

The Communist government of the U.S.S.R. has since done its best to eradicate all the distinctive features of Ukrainian culture and nationhood. and only the sturdy character of the Ukrainians themselves has kept their unique national identity alive. Particular credit for the survival of the Ukrainian culture is due to the Ukrainian community in the United States. which has not forgotten nor let the world forget their relatives in the old country. Ukrainian refugees and Americans of Ukrainian descent have played a critical role in preserving many facets of this culture which would otherwise have been in jeopardy. and I hope that they will continue this good work until Ukrainian culture can again thrive unhampered in its native soil. In preserving this national culture and feeling. the American community has done a great service not only to those still in the Ukrainewho are certainly aware that they have not been forgottenbut also to the rest of the world. which