An Author’s Evening with Taras Kokhno Held in Chicago on the Eve of His 102nd Birthday

An author’s evening featuring Ukrainian public figure and writer Taras Kokhno took place at the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago, where he presented his memoir A Century-Long Struggle for Life and Justice. The event drew a large audience and became an emotional moment for the entire community.

This was report by the Ukrainian National Museum.

“We had a unique opportunity to host a legendary figure — Taras Kokhno. On the eve of his 102nd birthday, he presented his life story,” the organizers said in a statement.

During the meeting, Taras Kokhno shared deeply personal and painful memories from his life. Particularly powerful for those present were his accounts of surviving the Holodomor, Stalinist repressions, and World War II – testimonies he has carried as a direct witness to these tragedies.  Today, as he approaches his 102nd year, he once again sees history repeating itself — as Moscow once more brings death and destruction to Ukrainian land. 

“In his book A Century-Long Struggle for Life and Justice, he speaks about pain and hope, about faith that Ukraine will endure, just as he himself endured. These are not merely memoirs — they are a testimony of a century that cries out: never again — and yet, again…,” the museum’s press service noted.

The examples shared by the author left no one indifferent — many listeners were unable to hold back tears.

“This is our history, which must not be forgotten, and this is the future our descendants will carry forward. It is a vast legacy of past mistakes, difficult struggle, and at the same time an example of how to survive,” participants of the event emphasized.

The organizers thanked everyone who attended and shared this deeply personal moment with the author, stressing that there is much to learn from a person with such life experience and moral strength.

“We must honor those who are willing to share their most intimate memories through tears,” the museum stated.

At the conclusion of the evening, the community and guests were invited to jointly congratulate Taras Kokhno on his remarkable life anniversary, wishing him many blessed years.