How Ukrainians in the United States celebrated Independence Day of Ukraine. PHOTO, VIDEO
On August 24, Ukrainians in different parts of the world celebrated the Independence Day of Ukraine. According to annual tradition, the Ukrainian diaspora in America, one of the largest in the world, also held festive events. From New York to Sacramento - ForumDaily tells and shows how Ukrainians in the USA celebrated the main holiday of their homeland.
More than 150 participants took part in the traditional embroidery race in Central Park in New York to demonstrate the beauty of Ukrainian culture and traditions and raise funds for a stroller for athlete Sergei Amelko, writes Ukrinfrom.
“The main goal of the event is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle and preserve the rich Ukrainian culture and traditions associated with embroidery,” said the organizers.
According to them, the event is not competitive in nature, but rather entertaining and intended for high-quality family leisure.
“This is important for us, because we show that in New York and in America there are many Ukrainians who worry about Ukraine, pray for peace and happiness in Ukraine. Our souls are with Ukraine,” event participant Lyusya Dzioba told an Ukrinform correspondent.
The embroidered shirt race is a charity event. Participants pay $5 to participate by purchasing a ticket in advance, or $10 at the start of the event. In addition, charitable contributions are collected.
“The funds raised will go to help Sergei Amelko, who needs our help in purchasing a wheelchair,” explained the organizers.
In total, the participants ran more than three kilometers and walked another one and a half along a specially agreed route in the Central Park of New York in Manhattan.
The 2019 Embroidery Run in New York is organized by the New York Running Club and the Ukrainian Institute of America.
The day before, the race in embroidered shirts took place in Washington, the capital of the United States. This race is part of the international run “Run in Embroidered Vests”, which takes place in many cities of Ukraine and the world.
Ukrainians in Washington celebrated Independence Day wearing embroidered shirts and running shoes. The festive 1 and 5 kilometer race has already become a tradition and is taking place for the 4th year in a row. Most of the participants know each other well from their time volunteering on the Maidan, but new faces appear every year. The race has no age restrictions - the youngest “runner” this year took part in his stroller, along with his parents. Voice of America told how the event went in the American capital.
Ukrainians in Parma, Ohio celebrated Independence Day of Ukraine with a two-day festival and a parade. Journalists attended the celebration VOA.
Vyshyvankas, priests, veterans, local business owners and school orchestras - the solemn procession for Ukraine's Independence Day in Parma, Ohio, has been combining American traditions and Ukrainian flavor for the tenth year.
“The holiday gives us the opportunity to remember who we are, where we came from, what we strive for,” says Cleveland resident Miroslava Mudrak. “This identity is very important, it must be in the heart, it must be brought up and instilled in every Ukrainian.”
Now Ohio lives from 30 to 60 of thousands of American Ukrainians, they began to come here at the end of the 19 century, migrated most of all during the Second World War, and during the period of Ukrainian independence a new wave of migration began. Ukrainians miss their native country and create for themselves a national community, churches, and hold events.
American and Ukrainian officials celebrate with the community.
“It’s amazing not only how many young and old Ukrainians joined, but also how many Americans—including American veterans—who took part in the celebration,” says Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Valeriy Chaly.
“Here we remember our soldiers who, unfortunately, are still giving their lives defending the freedom and dignity of not only Ukraine, but all of Europe. Remember the wounded. They remember Ukraine as a nation capable of developing, as a strong nation,” the ambassador added.
Full video program:
The large Ukrainian community in Sacramento celebrated Independence Day of Ukraine with a diverse program with performances by musical groups, a prayer for their native country, an exhibition of Ukrainian clothing and household items, and other national events.
The holiday was bright and fun in the Ukrainian community in San Antonio:
Chicago, an American city with a large Ukrainian community, did not stand aside. The Ukrainian community in Chicago celebrated Independence Day with a two-day festival called “Ukrainian Days.” The event is also popular among Americans who are interested in learning more about Ukrainian culture, cuisine and traditions.
Last weekend, in an area called the Ukrainian Village, yellow-blue flags fluttered, smelled of dumplings, borsch and donuts, Ukrainian music sounded and Ukrainian was heard everywhere along with English.
The Ukrainian Days festival was first held in Chicago in 1981, 10 years before Ukraine gained its independence.
Read also on ForumDaily:
'Arrived with $ 6': how a Ukrainian achieved the title of one of the most promising US scientists
'Feel like a rock star': one day in the life of a California firefighter from Ukraine
How to manage satellites: the story of a Ukrainian working at NASA
Subscribe to ForumDaily on Google NewsDo you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.