The Ukrainian community in Washington held events to mark the 212th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko’s birth. Diaspora representatives, diplomats, and Ukrainian school students gathered at the Kobzar monument to honor his legacy and recall the significance of his work for Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Women’s Union of America, Embassy of Ukraine in the United States and Ukraine House.
As reported, the 78th chapter of the Ukrainian Women’s Union of America, together with the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, organized a ceremony at the Taras Shevchenko monument in downtown Washington. Participants in the event remembered the poet’s work and his call to fight for freedom, which remains relevant for Ukrainians today.
“This monument remains a symbolic place where Ukrainians find inspiration, especially in difficult times. As President Dwight D. Eisenhower said at the monument’s unveiling in 1964, Taras Shevchenko is a symbol of Ukraine, “whose life and work expressed man’s unwavering determination to fight for freedom and his unwavering faith in ultimate victory.” Today, we remember Shevchenko’s timeless words: “Fight – and you shall win!” And we will win,” the Embassy of Ukraine in the US said in a post.
In addition, a separate program for the anniversary was held at Ukraine House in collaboration with Ukrainian School DC. During the meeting, participants read Shevchenko’s poetry, discussed his life, and performed songs to his words.
Also during the event, the Head of the Ukraine House Advisory Board and Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Reconstruction and Investment Oksana Markarova presented the school with a commemorative coin created by artist Mykola Cherep. One side of the coin depicts the Shevchenko Memorial in Washington as a symbol of Ukrainian freedom, and the other side depicts the image of Prometheus, inspired by Shevchenko’s poem “Caucasus.”
The event also featured a photo exhibition “On the Paths of Taras” by Mykola Cherep, which showcases the landscapes of Kachanivka, places that inspired the poet during his creative work.
“It was a day filled with poetry readings, reflections on Shevchenko’s life, and youth performances that brought his words to life for a new generation,” the organizers noted.
According to the participants, such events help the Ukrainian community in the United States preserve its cultural identity and pass on Taras Shevchenko’s legacy to future generations.
Photo: Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, Ukraine House
Author: Inna Mikhno