We Care About Ukraine. Ukraine's legendary general Mykhailo Zabrodskyi, U.S. military expert Phillip Karber, Bishop Benedict of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Consul General of Ukraine Larysa Gerasko, Congressman Danny Davis, Congressman Mike Quigley, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Sean Casten, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Cook County Commissioner Dan Patlak, representatives of the Polish, Hungarian, Lithuanian, and Azerbaijani communities, Chicago's Ukrainian American community marked Ukraine Unity Day on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center. The event was organized by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Illinois Division, representing the one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the United States. The event celebrated January 22, 1919, when all Ukrainian lands united in a declaration for independence. The historic date was banned during Soviet times, and is now a national holiday in Ukraine. It was fitting that on Ukraine's Unity Day, in rebuttal to a recent statement by Secretary of State Pompeo asking "Who Cares About Ukraine", the entire 250 guests at the Chicago event stood up with signs "We Care About Ukraine". Suddenly there was an expressive silence of dismay and disappointment in anticipation of Mr. Pompeo's upcoming trip to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky. This concern was shared by many of the speakers, and there was unanimous agreement by the members of Congress that the security of Ukraine and the United States are linked, that Americans should care about Ukraine because it stands for democracy and freedom in the face of Russia's aggressive invasion and cyber warfare that is aimed not only at Ukraine but at all of Europe. The program also included the participation of Ukrainian American Veterans Post 32, the extraordinary and exciting performance of Ukrainian and American military marches by SUM Choir (they were a real hit!), awards for community service, and an award of appreciation to the Consul General of Ukraine Larysa Gerasko, who is returning to Kyiv after a five year post in Chicago. Indeed, this year's event raised the bar of community activity and left an unforgettable impression for all who attended. General Mykhailo Zabrodskyi was the superstar that dominated the admiration of the audience. We wish him well in his new line of service as Deputy in the Parliament of Ukraine.
