On March 13th, 2012, on the occasion of the 198th Anniversary of Taras Shevchenko’s Birthday, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Olexander Motsyk laid flowers to the Statue of Taras Shevchenko in Washington D.C. The ceremony was attended by the representatives of the Ukrainian-American community as well as Ukrainian diplomats.
At the beginning of the event, a solemn requiem service was performed by the clergy of Ukrainian Churches in Washington D.C.
Addressing the audience, Ambassador Motsyk emphasized a significant role played by Taras Shevchenko in re-establishment of the Ukrainian statehood and maintaining national identity of Ukrainians all over the world. The Ambassador also underlined the Great Kobzar’s contribution into the world cultural heritage.