Ukrainians express concerns today in Daley Plaza on their Independence Day but celebrated 12,000 strong during weekend

Today, August 24, 2010 on the Ukrainians raised their flag in Chicago's Daley Plaza in honor of their independence from the Soviet Union on the same day in 1991. But Dr. Alex Strilchuk, President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Illinois Division (UCCA-IL), expressed concern to this reporter for Ukraine's future under their newly elected government.

"Though honored and proud by the ceremony today, we are concerned about the newly elected Ukrainian government officials," explains Strilchuk. "They are pro Russian. We are concerned that our country will be set back to the previous rule under the Soviet Union which was regulated by the Russians.  We are concerned about free speech and press as well as our language."

Though there is no accurate count, it is believed that at least ten million Ukrainians died of famine created by Stalin in 1932-1933. In fact many state that the famine was actually genocide.*

This last weekend UCCA-IL celebrated their heritage during the 27th Annual Ukrainian Days Festival. There was and estimated attendance of some 12,000 people over the two day event in Chicago Park District's Smith Park. With five food vendors and many other merchants offering an array of Ukrainian products and crafts, there was a never ending flurry of activities.

Kids hug

Soccer matches included men of all ages

Soccer games were next to a petting zoo and pony rides while some took escape from the blazing sun and high humidity by Smith Park's playground area. Later in the day on Saturday and into the evening the main stage was the hub for many entertainers. On Sunday beginning at 1:30 p.m., a more formal presentation of speeches occurred.  Artist Ihor Havryshkevych was the keynote speaker. Music on the main stage continued until 10 p.m.

The UCCA focuses on maintaining their rich cultural Ukrainian heritage in the United States by providing educational, social and cultural experiences.

*There is much information about this atrocity at the Ukrainian National Museum, 2249 W. Superior St. Phone: 773.384.3352.

For more info: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton congratulates Ukrainians

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