In Washington, DC, the School of Ukrainian Studies hosted a special meeting that brought together students, parents, and teachers with Ukrainian servicemen Taras Derkach and Nazariy Kishak. The guests shared their thoughts on national identity, responsibility to future generations, and the strength of the Ukrainian spirit, while the students demonstrated their sincere love for their native culture.
This was report by Ukrainian School DC.
The Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies in Washington, DC hosted guests whose visit was unexpected but important for the entire community. In particular, Ukrainian-American economist and First Lady of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko Kateryna Yushchenko visited the school along with Ukrainian officers Taras Derkach and Nazariy Kishak, who are currently defending Ukraine in the Pokrovske sector.
Kateryna Yushchenko, who was born in the U.S. to Ukrainian political migrants, spoke about her time at a Saturday school in Chicago and her participation in the Ukrainian Youth Movement (CYM), emphasizing the importance of preserving the Ukrainian language, culture and traditions regardless of where they live, so that the younger generation will be ready not only to rebuild Ukraine after victory, but also to represent it with dignity on the international stage.
The Ukrainian officers, in turn, shared their thoughts on the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
"There are more than 40 million of us, Ukrainians, in the world. It is physically impossible to destroy us. But our task is to be active, to act and to pass on Ukrainian culture and values to the next generations," Nazariy Kishak emphasized.
The students prepared a rich cultural program that demonstrated their love for the Ukrainian language and traditions. In particular, the event began with the performance of the Ukrainian national anthem by music teacher Yulia Neduzhko. Lilia Knap, a 3rd grade student, took the musical baton and recited Volodymyr Sosiura's poem "Love Ukraine" with great feeling. The combined choir of third graders performed Taras Petrynenko's legendary song "Ukraine", which touched everyone present. The children's ensemble under the direction of Svitlana Kramarova closed the meeting with the song "When a child prays".
A minute of silence was observed to honor the memory of those who died as a result of Russian aggression.
Author: Inna Mikhno