In March, the Hetman Petro Konashevych-Sahaidachny School of Ukrainian Studies at St. Michael's Parish of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) in Yonkers, New York, received a unique gift - a plaque dedicated to the memory of Lesia Ukrainka. It was made as part of the international charity project "Honouring Great Ukrainians in the World".
Valentyna Shemchuk, the founder of the international project, Honoured Worker of Culture of Ukraine, member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, Education and Culture Advisor of the New York District of the Ukrainian Women's Union of America, told Vilni Media.
"As a symbol of preserving the national identity of Ukrainians abroad and as a commitment to tireless advocacy for Ukraine, a granite slab dedicated to Lesia Ukrainka was made for the School of Ukrainian Studies in the United States," Valentyna Shemchuk said.
According to her, the plaque is made of aesthetic granite of a light pinkish-brown colour with speckles, quarried near the village of Didkovychi in the Zhytomyr region. The author and executor of the engraving project was Master Vadym Holoborodov. Oleksandr Horai, regional dean of the Kharkiv-Poltava diocese of the OCU.
It is also noted that the image of the Great Poet of the Nation on the memorial plaque symbolises Ukraine, its invincibility, freedom and liberty, which Ukrainians are defending every day in the fight against the Russian aggressor.
"The image of Lesya Ukrainka on the Yonkers plaque honouring the Great Poet of the Nation embodies Ukraine, its freedom and liberty, and the indomitable nature of the Ukrainian people - Ukrainian men and women heroically defending their homeland from Russian invaders," Shemchuk stresses.
As noted by UNWLA Branch 30 Yonkers, the presentation of the plaque dedicated to Lesia Ukrainka took place on the memorable Shevchenko Days.
"Thanks to the joint work of the New York District of the Ukrainian Women's League of America, Chairperson Oksana Zhukov, UNWLA New York District Board Member - Education and Culture Advisor Valentyna Shemchuk, UNWLA Branch 30 (Chairperson Lesia Boyko), Social Welfare Advisor Liudmyla Halay, and the Petro Konashevych Sahagas School of Ukrainian Studies. In partnership with the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York, a plaque dedicated to Lesia Ukrainka was unveiled at the event. This is a powerful statement of support for Ukraine and the promotion of Ukrainian figures in the multicultural space of America and the world" - Revived Soldiers Ukraine, в UNWLA Branch 30 Yonkers.
The celebration of Taras Shevchenko and Lesya Ukrainka Memorial Day was accompanied by a colorful concert program prepared by the school's band and students.
Background The project "Honouring Great Ukrainians in the World" has been running for over 20 years. Its participants have produced and handed over more than 30 plaques and signs to communities in Ukraine and abroad, from Berlin and Tbilisi to Hadiach and Vilnius. They are memorials to Lesia Ukrainka, Taras Shevchenko, Olena Pchilka, Holodomor victims and defenders of Ukraine.
Shemchuk emphasises that the project's cultural mission is closely linked to supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian community in the United States.
"Our thoughts are with Ukraine, our actions are all aimed at helping Ukraine. Together with the Ukrainian people and the international community, we are committed to Ukraine's victory," she concludes.
Photos provided by Valentyna Shemchuk.
Author: Inna Mikhno