Warren celebrates Ukrainian Independence Day

WARREN — Ukrainians gathered in Warren to celebrate Ukraine’s independence in a joyous yet solemn ceremony Aug 24, to commemorate freedom and pay homage to fallen heroes.

The day marked the 32nd anniversary of Ukrainian independence from Russia. The event was held at the Ukrainian and Ukrainian-American Veterans Memorial and was supported by many in the community.

Oksana Hryhorchuk Gudz, president of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, often referred to as UNWLA, gave the keynote address.

“Today should be a great joy and celebration. It was on this day in 1991 that Ukraine proclaimed its independence (and) was internationally recognized as a sovereign, independent nation,” said Gudz.

Part of the joyous celebration were proclamations from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, state Sen. Paul Wojno and Warren Mayor James Fouts, proclaiming Aug. 24 Ukrainian Independence Day.

“On behalf of the people of the city of Warren, (I) do hereby proclaim Aug. 24, 2023, as Ukrainian Independence Day and urge all citizens to join in commemorating this important anniversary,” stated the mayor in his proclamation. “On this day let us recommit ourselves in helping the Ukrainian nation reclaim full sovereignty over its international borders and remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives to ensure freedom and happiness for future generations.”

Prayers and blessings were given by Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic priests. Singers performed the national anthem of the United States. Both the national anthem of Ukraine and an emotional people’s anthem sung in wartime were performed in the Ukrainian language. Nearly all in attendance knew the words and sang along. The people’s anthem made many teary-eyed.

“It’s a beautiful song,” said Marie Zarycky, as her voice rattled and as she said she was fighting back tears. “This has become an anthem for the people because it is full of hope. It is not a formal anthem.”

There was a refrain that was repeated with fervor by those gathered at the event. According to a rough English translation provided by Zarycky, who is from Ukraine and is a native speaker of the language, they sang, “Hey, the red berries of viburnum in the ravine will welcome our freedom fighters.”

As they sang, many waved the Ukrainian flag, which represents blue skies and yellow grain which is a natural resource and trade commodity of the country, according to Zarycky.

Olena Danylyuk served as the master of ceremonies and is also the president of the Ukrainian American Civic Committee of Metropolitan Detroit.

The ceremony started with the presentation of the colors from Commander Matt Wroblewski from the Ukrainian American Veterans Post 101. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tanya Clark placed a large wreath at the veterans monument in memory of the fallen heroes.

Gudz gave a brief history of the events that led to Ukraine’s independence.

“After centuries of suffering from aggressors who wanted Ukraine for its fertile land and rich resources, and after experiencing the Holodomor, the Siberian exile, forced-work camps and the dissidents’ sacrifices, there was finally a democratic government where religious leaders, teachers, artists, scientists and professionals could live without fear of persecution,” Gudz said.

Gudz added that there is still a fight.

“At this independence celebration, our hearts are heavy because of the injuries, loss of life, and destruction taking place in Ukraine today. With Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Ukraine again became the target of aggression and is experiencing the horrors of war, aimed not only at the military, but women, children and civilian population,” said Gudz. “We grieve together with the widows and orphans whose lives have been changed forever. What we have seen on the news makes it hard for us to fathom that such evil and cruelty can exist in our world.”

Zarycky said there were two messages from the event.

“To keep on fighting and ask our (United States) government representatives to prevail on our (Ukraine) government to give serious weapons so President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy can win,” Zarycky said.

Gudz appealed to women who have not joined the UNWLA to do so promptly.

For more information about the UNWLA or UACC, please contact Marie Zarycky at (586) 757-5571.