Show and Tell

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Slava Ukraini

Today, Chicago’s Ukrainian community gathered at the Ukrainian Cultural Center (2247 West Chicago Avenue) to commemorate Ukraine Unity Day. Of course, Vladimir Putin’s almost year-long war against Ukraine hung heavy over the luncheon and speeches. Between 150 and 200 people were in attendance. All displayed strong patriotic fervor for Ukraine and its people.

The event ran a bit long; about three hours. It began with the singing of the United States and Ukrainian national anthems, a song from a Ukrainian choral group, and introductory remarks by Ihor Diaczun, the president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Illinois Division. As part of his remarks, Diaczun played a video showing devastated Ukrainian cities and towns. It included horrifying images of the large apartment building in Dnipro that was hit by a Russian missile just two weeks ago, killing at least 40 civilians—I believe the linked video is the one that was shown. The video emphasized the word “genocide.”

And then the politicos took the stage, including Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who is in a nine-way primary re-election fight, Senator Richard Durbin, Congressman Danny K. Davis, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Mike Quigley, and Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi. Durbin commented on the new Republican majority in the House, reminding everyone that senators on both sides of the aisle support Ukraine, thereby serving somewhat as a bulwark against some of the House Republicans who have gone on record in opposition to continued support for Ukraine. Krishnamoorthi pointed out that Russia has barred him from entering the country, something that he wore as a badge of honor. Lightfoot was at the first rally for Ukraine last February, and she reminded everyone that there is a display in support of Ukraine at City Hall.

I understand why the event must include these politicians, particularly ones who have a say in funding for Ukraine, but the event would have been much better had their collective time at the podium been cut in half. I have no idea why the Cook County Assessor was given time. Our property taxes have little to do with Ukraine.

After the politicians had left the podium (and the hall), the Committee presented three community service awards. Not surprisingly, this year the awards went to individuals who had furthered the war effort. Among the three honored was Ellen Lopatkina with the UA Resistance Foundation. This group supplies clothing, as well as fully-equipped ambulances and firetrucks to Ukraine. Lopatkina’s remarks were accompanied by an inspirational video. Iryna Tsenglevich was also honored. She is one of the forces behind Help Razom, a charity formed shortly after the Russian invasion last February to raise funds for humanitarian aid and supplies. Igor Terletsky received the third award.

Following the awards, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman gave the keynote address. He focused on his experiences over the past year, including completing his Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins. Vindman is not a great public speaker—monotone without gestures. Regrettably, he didn’t provide revelatory insights into the conflict. Nevertheless, Vindman is a national hero for his role in revealing former President Donald Trump’s effort to trade arms for dirt on Joe Biden. He paid a heavy price for his congressional testimony, so it was both an honor and a thrill to see him in the flesh.

Janusz Bugajski, a Senior Fellow with The Jamestown Foundation, was the final speaker. He has just published a book entitled, Failed State: A Guide to Russia’s Rupture. In his remarks, Bugajski focused on Russia as a state in decline, discussing the implications that follow. His current thinking is summarized in a piece he wrote for Politico that was published on January 12, 2023.

Overall, the afternoon was an interesting, but long one. My recommendation for next year is to do the community service awards first, allowing the audience to hear the inspiring stories before the politicians wear them down. And as I’ve already noted, the politicians should have their time cut in half; possibly a panel discussion format could be employed. A 15-minute break halfway through the speeches would also help. Finally, I would have liked a Question and Answer period, particularly in the case of Vindman and Bugajski.

[Click on an Image to Enlarge It]

The Official Seal

Mayor Lightfoot Talking to People Before the Festivities Begin

A Light Moment

A Discussion During the 2023 Ukraine Unity Day Celebration

A Member of the Honor Guard Standing During the 2023 Ukraine Unity Day

A Salute During the Singing of the National Anthem

Reverent

Sing Out

Standing for the Ukrainian National Anthem

Ihor Diaczun, President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America--Illinois Division, Making Remarks During the 2023 Ukraine Unity Day Celebration

Mary Lori Lightfoot Is Firm In Her Support for Ukraine

Senator Richard Durbin Smiles During His Remarks

The World’s Bread Basket

All Smiles


Senator Richard Durbin Listens to Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Is Banned from Traveling to Russia Due to His Support of Ukraine

Marta Farion Listening Attentively at the 2023 Ukraine Unity Day Celebration

Congressman Mike Quigley at the 2023 Ukraine Unity Day Celebration

A Frequent Refrain During the 2023 Ukraine Unity Day

Iryna Tsenglevich Receives an Award for Her Work with Help Razom UA Resistance Foundation

Award Recipient Igor Terletsky with Dr. Maria Korkatsch-Groszko at the 2023 Ukraine Unity Day Celebration

The Three Recipients of Community Service Standing with Ihor Diaczun (Far Right) During the 2023 Ukraine Unity Day Celebration

Stood Up to Trump; Standing Up to Putin

Janusz Bugajski Speaks About Ukraine and Russia at the 2023 Ukraine Unity Day Celebration

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