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The Ukrainian Weekly
Parsippany, New Jersey
November 15, 1998
Published below are the texts of a message from President Bill Clinton and a
proclamation signed by New York Gov. George E. Pataki, which were read
at the commemoration of the Great Famine held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in
New York City.
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United States President Bill Clinton:
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On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Ukrainian Famine, I join the
Ukrainian people and the entire Ukrainian American community in
commemorating this tragic chapter in Ukraine's history.
To survivors and their families, the Famine still evokes strong feelings of
grief and anger. We have a solemn obligation to keep alive the memory of
the innocent victims who suffered and died because of Stalin's attempt to
crush Ukraine. But we also must remember the determination and unyielding
faith of Ukrainians who struggled and sacrificed for so long to realize
their
dream of freedom.
While this anniversary is an occasion for both sorrow and reflection, it
also reminds us of Ukraine's steadfast commitment to democracy and to
continuing its political, social and economic evolution. Today is a time of
extraordinary opportunity for the nations of the world as old barriers fall
and a new and truly global community emerges. The people of Ukraine,
with their rich heritage and reverence for freedom, have much to offer this
global community.
As you mark this solemn milestone, I commend you for working to build a
brighter future. Best wishes for a memorable observance.
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New York Governor George E. Pataki:
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Whereas, the Ukrainian Famine of 1932-1933 is a truly painful chapter in the
history of Ukraine, the magnitude of this tragedy becomes even greater in
view of the fact that the Famine was not the result of natural causes, but
was induced as a brutal Soviet policy directed against the Ukrainian people;
and
Whereas, the poignancy that envelopes this sorrowful episode in Ukrainian
history stems from the fact that it was a phenomenon unlike others - an
artificial famine that was engineered by the Stalin regime in an attempt to
collectivize agriculture and crush the nationally conscious Ukrainian
nation; and
Whereas, the Famine was a truly callous act aimed at oppressing the
political, cultural and human rights of the Ukrainian people; the immediate
result was the death of more than 7 million Ukrainians, including the
elimination of Ukraine's intelligentsia and its middle class; since it
occurred, the Famine has had a lasting impact and has left a permanent mark
upon the Ukrainian people, in addition the policies instituted during the
Famine period have impeded Ukraine's economy and political development;
and
Whereas, in perpetuating this indescribable crime against humanity, the
Soviet government had complete control of the borders and food supplies,
deliberately refusing to accept relief efforts; at the same time, the
Soviets ignored various appeals from foreign governments and organizations
to alleviate the catastrophic conditions resulting from the Famine; and
Whereas, the people of a free and independent Ukraine have established a
democratic system of government, instituted a free market economy and
enacted policies that ensure full respect for human rights; it is important
for New Yorkers, as well as all Americans and people worldwide, to continue
providing support and assistance to Ukraine as it proceeds down the path of
becoming a strong and self-governed nation:
Now, therefore, I, George E. Pataki, governor of the State of New York,
do hereby proclaim November 8-9, 1998, as Ukrainian Famine Days of
Remembrance in the Empire State and encourage the world community to
recognize that the best safeguard against future atrocities of this nature
is to maintain and ensure support for an independent Ukrainian state and all
democratic nations.
Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the
City of Albany this 6th day of November in the year 1998.
The Ukrainian Weekly, November 15, 1998, No. 46, Vol. LXVI,
Roma Hadzewycz, Editor-in-chief, 2200 Route 10, Parsippany,
New Jersey. Published by the Ukrainian National Association.
http://www.ukrweekly.com/Archive/1998/469803.shtml
There is an extensive archive of historical material about Ukraine on
The Ukrainian Weekly website, http://www.ukrweekly.com/.
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