“A Magnificent Century of Sacrifice and Work”: The UNWLA Detroit Regional Council Marks 100 Years of the UNWLA and Its Own 90th Anniversary

A double jubilee celebration took place at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Detroit, honoring the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) and the 90th anniversary of the Detroit Regional Council. The festive event, titled “A Magnificent Century of Sacrifice and Work,” gathered numerous guests, artists, benefactors, and members of the League, celebrating the remarkable legacy of Ukrainian women’s devotion, cultural service, and community leadership across generations.

This was reported in the Detroit Regional Council UNWLA group.

‎Our UWA District celebrated two magnificent anniversaries – the UWA’s 100th anniversary and its own 90th anniversary. The event was held under the title “A Magnificent Century of Sacrifice and Labor.” The celebration was so wonderful that everyone present in the hall will remember the emotions that filled them that day for a long time,” said Nataliya Shmoron, Vice President of Department 76 of the Ukrainian American University.

Among the honored guests were the First Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian American University Oksana Lodziuk-Kryvulych, Mayor of Warren Lori Stone, and the spiritual part was led by Father-Dean Myroslav Dumych, Father Bohdan Rybchuk, and Father Roman Hykavy.

The program of the event included the Anthem of the USA and Ukraine performed by Tetyana Bedrus and Iryna Svitka, as well as performances by the ensembles “Vyshyvanka” and “Dzherelo”. 

The culmination of the celebration was a theatrical display of Ukrainian costumes from the unique collection of Detroit County “And Unity, Embroidered with Threads” to the musical accompaniment of the members of the folklore ensemble “Ternotsvit”. The idea and script were prepared by Lesya Mishchanchuk, the production was by Ruslana Prunko, the music and poetic words were by Natalia Shmoron.

In addition, during the celebration, the winners of the poetry competition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Student Union, Vira Sorochak and Lesya Mishchanchuk, who shared the honorable third place, were awarded.

“It was a real explosion of emotions, a deep artistic experience and a journey through centuries of Ukrainian identity,” the guests responded.

The organizers thanked all members of the organizing committee, volunteers, performers, hosts Natalia Marushchak and Ola Trush, the Ukrainian Cultural Center and allies of the 76th department for the treats and hospitality, and those present for the unity, support and festive atmosphere. Special thanks were extended to numerous sponsors, private donors, local departments of the Ukrainian Student Union and Ukrainian organizations.