CYM Stamford Remembers and Honors the Heroes of the 20th Century

On October 6th, 2013 the youth of the 54th branch of the Ukrainian American Youth Association in Stamford, CT participated in a day of remembrance for the heroes who bravely fought and died in the battle for Ukraine’s freedom. This day of remembrance was initially founded in 1941 by the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) during their second general congress and was tied to the murder of Evhen Konovalets in Rotterdam in 1938. It subsequently became associated with the deaths of Mychailo Michnowski and Symon Petliura, both who were deemed to be among the greatest sons of Ukraine during the 20th century. Regrettably, since the day’s founding, two more visionaries and freedom activists have been added to the list of heroes we recognize on this day. These include Roman Shukhevych, Commander of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and, the very leader himself of OUN, Stepan Bandera – whose death we remember each year in October. Prior to Ukraine’s independence in 1992 from the Soviet Union, this day was recognized in silence and with great caution however, since 1992 it has been gaining in recognition and popularity.

In order to give due respect to these great historical figures, everyone participated in a formal Apel’ (ceremony) in full dress uniform. During the Apel’, there was a brief presentation about the day and its meaning to us in the 21st century delivered by two of the branch’s older members, both of the Riy (group) Orly (Eagles), Yuriy Yosypiv and Andriy Mereshchak.

Glory to Ukraine – To the Heroes Glory!