January 22, Day of Unity of Ukraine. Chicago’s community marked this year’s Unity Day with a roster of distinguished speakers at an event organized by UCCA Illinois Division. This year, when Ukraine is at the center of focus of the entire world as the unprovoked Russian war rages on and Ukraine continues its counterattack for an entire year with its brave military and unity of the nation, we welcomed exceptional guests and speakers, and the full support of His Eminence Bishop Benedict and many members of the clergy. Members of Congress included – Senator Richard Durbin, Congressmen Danny Davis, Mike Quigley, Raja Krishnamoorthi, representatives of Congresswoman Duckworth and Congressman Sean Casten; Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot; Consuls General of Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania; Representatives of organizations – Belarus Community of Chicago and USA, the Jewish Federation of Greater Chicago, and Ukrainian community organizations. We were honored with the participation of two keynote speakers: Lt Col Ret Alexander Vindman, and political scientist Janusz Bugajski. The event also honored recipients of the Community Service Award. This year the award recipients were Iryna Tsenglevych for her work with the community in Palatine, IL, Alla Lopatkina, president and CEO of Nortia Logistics and founder of the charitable organization Ukrainian Resistance Foundation, and Ihor Terleckyj, president and CEO of Patriot Trucking-Logistics and founder of the charitable organization Help Heroes of Ukraine. They raised millions of dollars and established warehouses to help military and civilians victims of the war. They received standing ovations demonstrating respect and appreciation of the community. A video prepared for the occasion by Motria Melnyk, UCCA board member and president of Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, focused on Russian war crimes and demands to declare these crimes as genocide against the Ukrainian nation. The event was masterfully led by Pavlo Bandriwsky, vice-president of UCCA Illinois Division.
