Whereas, the Portland metropolitan area is home to more than 80,000 Ukrainian-Americans and their families;

and

Whereas, the Ukrainian community has for more than 100 years lived within Portland and the greater Portland

area, bringing a wealth of skills and abilities to our community, along with a strong commitment to family values and vibrant cultural traditions; and

Whereas, Ukraine and the Ukrainian people suffered under oppressive domination by outsiders for hundreds of

years, including by the former Soviet Union; and Ukraine and the Ukrainian people all around the world commemorate this year the 75th Anniversary of the Soviet-ordered Famine/Genocide (Holodomor) in which from 7 to 10 million people perished; and

Whereas, on August 24, 1991 Ukraine at long last became an independent nation, in fulfillment of the dreams and

aspirations of its people; and Ukraine and the Ukrainian people observe this year the 17th Anniversary of Ukrainian Independence; and

Whereas, the City of Lviv, Ukraine sent an official delegation to Portland in 2008 seeking and encouraging closer

ties between Portland and Ukraine; and

Whereas, the Ukrainian citizens of Portland enrich Portland’s diverse ethnic heritage by sharing their heritage with

their neighbors, remembering the hardships of their parents and grandparents, and making certain their children are educated in Ukrainian heritage and language while working with all Portland citizens to celebrate Portland and realize the American dream; and

Whereas, the Ukrainian Cultural Association of Oregon has created and sponsored this second annual celebration

of the Ukrainian community in Portland so that all Portlanders can join in and appreciate the contribution of Ukrainians to our City and region;

Now, therefore, I, Tom Potter, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, “the City of Roses” do hereby proclaim

August 30, 2008 to be

Ukrainian Day

in Portland, and encourage all residents to join in celebrating this day, and encouraging this annual celebration in honor of the Ukrainian American community.