The first “Soyuzianka Shirt” walk in New York, marking the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, the 85th anniversary of the UNWLA New York Regional Council, and the anniversaries of its New York branches.

It took place at the Ukrainian National Home during celebrations organized by the New York Regional Council of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, led by Oksana Zhuk. The event added a new significant page to the chronicle of the Ukrainian diaspora and served a noble mission — raising funds for orphans in Ukraine.

Held to mark the 100th anniversary of the UNWLA and staged for the first time in the organization’s history, the “Soyuzianka Shirt” walk embodied a living testimony to the cherished heirlooms dearest to the heart: family embroidered shirts, kersetkas, coral necklaces, kraikas, and headscarves. Each stitch on the linen emerged as a priceless national treasure, passed down from grandmother to granddaughter as a symbol of an enduring tradition. 

Embroidered in the ancient depths of centuries —
In it, the guardian signs of bands and nyzynka stitches…
If only you pause your gaze for a moment,
You will see storks of years upon the linen…

At home, in the camp, in a foreign land,
Sprinkled with tears until morning…
In the secret depths of memory, 
The holy of holies — the Soyuzianka shirt!

The voice of host Andriy Stasiv — director of St. George Academy, a renowned musician, and the longtime organizer of the Ukrainian Festival in New York — gave the event a special resonance. His heartfelt words honoring the participants of the walk touched the hearts of everyone present. On behalf of the entire New York community, Mr. Andriy Stasiv expressed deep appreciation for the century of selfless dedication shown by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and the UNWLA New York Regional Council. He emphasized that, in this difficult hour of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the tireless support of the Soyuzianky stands as an unbreakable shield defending Ukraine and bringing our shared victory closer.

Each shirt, each strand of beads, and each pattern on the Soyuzianky’s kraikas testified to one truth: Ukrainian identity in the United States is alive, dignified, and unconquerable. The power of this moment is best captured in the words of Lesia Topolia, the Ukrainian-language editor of the UNWLA magazine Our Life: 

“The parade of shirts, accompanied by original texts by Valentyna Shemchuk, was incredibly moving, as was the entire program, filled with the host’s special charm and creative vision. It was an event that will leave a long-lasting and heartfelt echo in the hearts of all who had the opportunity to be present in the hall!” 

The “Soyuzianka Shirt” walk became a heartfelt tribute of love for Ukraine and a profound homage to generations of Ukrainian women who have preserved the national code across oceans and centuries.

In days when history is shaped not only by great battles, but also by quiet daily devotion, the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, the 85th anniversary of the UNWLA New York Regional Council, and the anniversaries of its New York branches became more than just another jubilee celebration. They served as a reminder that love for Ukraine is not a border, but a path — one that runs through hearts, through generations, and across oceans.

And as long as songs are sung, words are spoken, heritage is honored, and aid continues without interruption, the living work of the Soyuzianky will endure. And once again, the Soyuzianka shirt, carefully passed from hand to hand, will tell new generations: we were, we are, and we will be.