| Volume 1– Issue 1 Page 2 Memorial Day Parade down State Street - John Steciw Heralded as the largest event of it’s kind in the country, Chi-cago’s official Memorial Day parade was held on Saturday, May 24, 2003. This year Post 32 was invited by the City of Chicago to participate. It was the first time that Ukrainian American Veterans were involved in this historic event. It was a very special and memorable day. Almost 30 members participated, making Post 32 one of the largest veteran’s group in the parade. Thanks to the efforts of Lt. Col. Mike Chyterbok, 3 U.S. Army Humvees were provided. Crowds of people lined both sides of the parade route thanking and cheering the marching veterans. This was especially mean-ingful to the vets who served in Korea and Viet Nam. Shouts of “ Slava Ukraini” could be heard from the crowd. It was a very impressive sight with the American and Ukrainian flags waving side by side. “ We did out post and our community proud”, the veterans remarked afterwards. Representing Post 32, John Steciw and Adam Bihun had the privilege of meeting General Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who served as the Grand Marshall and Richard M. Daley, the mayor of Chicago. The mayor had very nice things to say to General Myers about the Ukrainian American Veterans and the Ukrainian community in Chicago. Both were presented with UAV lapel pins. As Post 32 marched past the reviewing stand, both the General and the Mayor gave them a big thumbs up. After the parade, a luncheon was held at Sak’s Ukrainian Vil-lage Restaurant & lounge. It was a long but satisfying day. Post 32 received an invitation to participate in the parade again next year. In addition to the military vehicles, the post is planning on adding a float and other surprises. They’re working to make next year’s event even more impressive. The day started early, but there was plenty of coffee and donuts thanks to the Ukie American Club. ( some of us needed the coffee more than others). The cell phones were getting a workout with last minute details. Even though there was a lot of “ hurry up and wait”, the time really went by quickly. Everyone was exchanging “ war stories” and getting caught up. Although it was a little windy, you couldn’t ask for a nicer day. The luncheon was terrific, prepared by Pani Nadia and her staff, who did a very nice job. Afterwards adult beverages were consumed back at the Club and then at the EZ INN to round out the day. A hearty thanks to all the vets and their families that par-ticipated in the parade and for helping make it the big-gest and most successful event our post had to date. Spe-cial thanks go to the following individuals that went above and beyond: •Wally Basarab – for coordinating the pickup and return of the passenger van. •Roman Zahorodnyj— for setting up the luncheon.. His smile and sweet personality had the staff at Sak’s really jumping. •Michael Chyterbok—for procuring the Humvees, military drivers, harnesses and the M-1 rifles. •Adam Bihun—for bringing the service flags, sabers, wire, rope, sign, decorating the vehicles and having plenty of duct tape on hand. •John Steciw—for taking on the role of acting parade marshal and being a real “ mother hen” all day. •John Horodecky—for helping coordinate our par-ticipation with the city. •Victor (Jack) - for opening up the Ukie American Club so early in the morning, the coffee and donuts and for coming downtown with us. •Color Guard—Jerry Jaworsky, Walter Nalywajko, Gene Kinal and Wasyl Myroniak. Jerry and Walter really found out how windy it was that day. •Trooper of the Day– Roman Ostrowskyj—Due to recent foot surgery, he was scheduled to ride in one of the vehicles, instead he marched the whole route with the boys. Way to go , Chief ! Do you know why we’re Post 32 ? See page six for the answer. |
IN THIS EDITION: Post Commander’s Message: page 1 Memorial Day parade w/ photo display pages 2&3 What we’ve been doing photo display pages 4&5 Memorial Day St. Nick’s Cemetery w/ photo display.Why are we Post 32? pages 6&7 Smith’s park event w/ photos page 8 Post 32 history page 9 Bishop Seminack Welcome page 10 Thank you ladies, UAV National commander visits, Chicago page 11 Post 32 Officers, Post 32 mission statement, Stefan Wasyluk—in Memoriam page 12 |
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