The representatives of the Ukrainian community gathered at the Taras Shevchenko monument in Washington, D.C. to honor Ukrainian poet on his 210th birthday and 163rd death anniversary. 

This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 60 years since the unveiling of this remarkable monument by Canadian Ukrainian sculptor Leo Mol. Despite Soviet resistance, our community's perseverance prevailed, culminating in a historic unveiling in 1964, attended by over 100,000 people from across the globe. 

President Dwight Eisenhower said prophetic words in his speech at the unveiling of the monument:  "For my hope is that your magnificent march from the shadow of the Washington Monument to the foot of the statue of Shevchenko will here kindle a new world movement in the hearts, minds, words and actions of men; a never-ending movement dedicated to the independence and freedom of peoples of all captive nations of the entire world." 

Shevchenko is more than a poet; he symbolizes our Ukrainian spirit, our resilience, our victories.