The Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America has launched a nationwide campaign, “Ukrainians Were Here All the Time,” dedicated to the contribution of Ukrainians and Ukrainian-Americans to the history of the United States. The initiative was launched on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.
This was reported in a press release from the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America.
“The history of America is the history of people of all backgrounds who came here in search of freedom and opportunity, and later helped build the country we know today. As our country celebrates 250 years of independence, we strive to ensure that the contributions of Ukrainians and Ukrainian-Americans are properly recognized as an integral part of this shared American history,” said UCCA President Mykhailo Savkiv.
The campaign is reportedly to highlight the stories of immigrants, refugees, community leaders, innovators, servicemen, artists, scholars, entrepreneurs, clergy, and public servants who have strengthened America while preserving its Ukrainian heritage.
The main message of the initiative is that Ukrainians and Ukrainian-Americans have been in the United States all along. The UCCA notes that while many Americans learned more about Ukraine after its restoration of independence in 1991 or after the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, the contribution of Ukrainians to American life spans many generations.
In particular, the campaign will highlight prominent Ukrainian-Americans whose work has left a significant mark on the country’s history. Among them are aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky, Nobel Prize laureate Selman Waxman, computer innovator Lubomyr Romankiv, Paralympic champion Oksana Masters, diplomat Paula Dobryanska, ambassador Roman Popadiuk, judge Bohdan Futey, actor Jack Palance, and theater reformer Lee Strasberg.
“These are just a few examples. Together, these stories demonstrate how Ukrainians have contributed to the most important achievements in modern American history — from helicopters and antibiotics to evolutionary biology, digital technology, diplomacy, military service, constitutional law, art, culture, and high-stakes sports,” the UCCA noted.
The campaign will also trace the broader history of Ukrainian immigration to the United States. It is about the creation of Ukrainian churches, fraternal organizations, credit unions, mutual aid societies, cultural and professional centers that have become an important part of the public life of Ukrainians in America.
During the America250 anniversary year, the UCCA plans to create social media content, archival posts, short videos, website articles, educational materials, and stories about local communities.
“Some of the most powerful stories can be found not in textbooks, but in local churches, community centers, family archives, and neighborhood institutions,” said UCCA Director of Communications and Development and creator of the “Ukrainians Were Here All the Time” campaign, Mykhailo Bondarenko.
According to him, the initiative will help preserve and pass on these stories to future generations.
“This initiative will help preserve and pass on these stories to future generations,” he concluded.
Thus, through the “Ukrainians Were Here All Along” campaign, the UCCA seeks to honor the countless Ukrainian-Americans whose contributions have become an integral part of American society, and to ensure that their achievements are properly recognized as America celebrates 250 years of independence.
Photo: UCCA
Author: Inna Mikhno