If Ukrainians and among them members of CYM had not ensured that the truth about events such as Holodomor 1932-1933 were not disseminated then other governments in the world would not have recognized this tragic truth as a genocide. They would not have recognized Ukraine as a sovereign nation 20 years ago if Ukrainians around the world had not provided information about Ukriane, its history, culture and current affairs. We need to ensure that we are aware politically and historically, that we are organized and active and not complacent, that we continue to learn and grow and improve personally and in our chosen professions.

This year’s haslo are words taken from graphic art by Nil Khasevych (1905-1952), who was a politically aware graphic artist, a member of OUN and the Ukrainian Liberation Rada. He expressed his love of Ukraine through his art and his commitment to a free and sovereign Ukraine. A year before his death he wrote:

I cannot fight with arms, but I fight with a chisel and mallet. I am a cripple and fight during the time when many strong and healthy people in the world don’t even believe that such a fight is possible… I want the world to know that the fight for freedom continues…that Ukrainians are fighting.

His words and his art should be an inspiration to us. They are witness that everyone can find a way, if they believe in their principles, to defend the honor of Ukraine in work and art or other actions; to stand up for the truth and point out injustices against people and against their nation. With this haslo this year We stand on guard for freedom we want to express our readiness to defend the honor and truths about Ukraine as a free and sovereign nation that has a right to its language, culture and traditions. Our responsibilities are not complete; we need to be vigilant and be ready to speak out against any injustices. Let Khasevych’s words inspire us to find our way to stand on guard for freedom, to defend the honor and truths of our nation.