20th ANNIVERSARY UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION SAINT
STEPHEN'S UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH TOMS RIVER, NJ

On August 24, 2011, at the Ocean County Administration Building in Toms River, the Ocean County Board of Freeholders proclaimed August 24th as “Ukrainian Independence Day” in OceanCounty. Following the Posting of the Colors by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, John Bortnyk led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed with a prayer by Rev. Oleksandr Dumenko, Pastor of St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church in Toms River. Gerry Tchir, President of the Ukrainian American Club of Ocean County and Commander of Post 30 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, gave a stirring presentation that Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said “should have been presented to CNN News.”During his presentation, Mr. Tchir reflected that in most Ukrainian homes, visitors are welcomed with a traditional greeting that gives Thanks to Almighty God for the rich Blessings and Freedom that we as Americans often take for granted. When asked about what they know about Ukraine, most non-Ukrainians would note that Ukraine is known as “Breadbasket of Europe,” but few would know that between 3-million to 12-million Ukrainian men, women, and children were deliberately starved to death by order of the Communist dictator, Joseph Stalin. Most Americans would say that they love the colorful Ukrainian costumes, dancing, food, and songs, and the rich Ukrainian traditions, especially during the Christmas and Easter Holidays. What many non-Ukrainians do not know is that most of the immigrants from Ukraine suffered incredible hardships and death in German camps, and came to this country to start new lives, learn and speak the American language, and build churches and schools for their children and grandchildren. They all had stories, incredible stories of survival and hope, and a belief and love for this great country. Hope is the cornerstone of our future. Plans are in the process for building the first Ukrainian Catholic Church in the history of Ocean County in Toms River. On September 10th, the 4th Annual Ukrainian Day Festival will be held at Saint Stephen’s Church located at 1344 White Oak Bottom Road in TomsRiver. Mr. Tchir concluded his remarks to thunderous applause with “Praise Ukraine, and God Bless the United States of America.” A presentation of Proclamation was made by Freeholders Joseph Vicari and Gerry Little, Undersheriff Wayne Rupert, Jeffrey Moran, Surrogate, and Scott Colabella, County Clerk, followed by the Raising of the Ukrainian Flag over the Ocean County Administration Building. Barbara Steele, Director of Ocean County Department of Public Affairs, stated “she was quite moved by the entire ceremony, and looks forward to next year’s event.”

Due to hurricane Irene, the Ukrainian Independence Day Concert and Celebration originally scheduled for Sunday, August 28th was held on Sunday, September 4, 2011, in Saint Stephen’s Church hall. After welcoming a large and enthusiastic audience, Gerry/SlavkoTchir welcomed and thanked the audience for their attendance, and Father Dumenko, Pastor of Saint Stephens Church, led the assembly in prayer. The Ukrainian American Club Chorus under the direction of Paul Brown sang “God Bless America” and the Ukrainian National Anthem, “The Glory of Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished.” Mr. Bohdan Bortnyk recited “Live On Ukraine,” followed by a traditional song about the flowers of Ukraine. Ostap Jakubowycz shared his thoughts on “Ukraine Today-Twenty Years Later,” and Halyna Jakubowycz presented her thoughts and reflections to theaudience. Maryana and Roksolana Dumenko recited two beautiful poems about Ukraine, and Father Oleksandr presented his thoughts about “Ukraine Today.” The Chorus sang a beautiful and traditional song about “ The Mountains of Ukraine,” and Lyuba Brown then recited “Love Our Ukraine.” Roxanne Stecura recited the poem, “My Ukraine,” followed by Orest Dashko’s presentation of “I Went to America.” After a moment of silent prayer for deceased past UA Club Secretary and Chorus Director, LesiaGural, Gerry Tchir acknowledged the Chorus, Paul Brown,and the Concert Guests. The program closed with the Chorus and audience singing “Many Years” and “For Ukraine.” Everyone then shared refreshments and friendship.

“Praise Ukraine” and God Bless the United States of America!

Photo Galleryy