National Executive Digest
15 Years of Independence
The word independence has a special meaning for Ukrainians around the world. Throughout history, they resisted occupation, survived genocides and unjust imprisonment, and yet the nation persevered.
The struggle for an independent state in the ranks of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army and the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists during and after World War II left a historical legacy that formed the basis for the dissolution of the world's worst totalitarian state, the Soviet Russian Empire.
Fifteen years ago, the Ukrainian people, in a national referendum, wholeheartedly embraced Ukraine’s declaration of independence. It brought about an end to the Cold War and ushered in a new "springtime of nations."
Ukrainian statehood has gone through a number of trials and tribulations since independence. Most recently, the Maidan has come to symbolize the spirit of resistance when millions stood their ground in defense of their liberties and expressed their national solidarity for free and fair elections.
The Ukrainian leadership should embrace this spirit and recognize the will of the people. They should reaffirm their commitment to hallowing the memory of the millions of Ukrainians that lost their lives in the struggle to reestablish Ukrainian statehood.
The Diaspora will continue to build bridges of understanding between our host countries and our homeland. At the same time, the Ukrainian government needs to inculcate a culture of professionalism, transparency and openness in government. Today, Euro-Atlantic integration and NATO membership are possibilities for Ukraine that must be pursued and realized.
The Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine extends its sincere congratulations to the Ukrainian people on their 15th year of independence. We continue to believe in the independent spirit of the Ukrainian people. On this occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to helping Ukraine develop a bright and prosperous future!
God Bless Ukraine! “Slava Ukrayini!”
Michael Koziupa
President
ODFFU
24 August 2006
