My Dear Son,
At last, I am about to complete this project, which as a young boy with your
questions and your sincere delight and surprise you inspired me to compile. You would
ask me, “and this person was also from Ukraine?”
Initially I gathered information just for you to read, but events during the last
several years in Ukraine convinced me that a solid historical basis on which to build
our common future is needed by more people than just you and me.
For you and for those who want to know more about Ukraine, I would like to bring
to light the names of some talented and successful historical figures who are related
to our homeland either by birth, ethnicity, or just by a conscious feeling of belonging to
our nation. Many of them have been ”adopted” by other countries and this album is a
way of returning them to their native land.
Behind the names are various destinies and behind the destinies is living history.
Read the texts carefully, analyze them, and think critically. You will see that although
these people are not only Ukrainians, some had other nationalities and religions, they
are all a part of our great Ukrainian family.
I wanted to be honest with you and so I included in this album not only those who
are worth admiring and emulating. Most of them, however, are worthy of esteem, and
they are a testament to the fact that Ukraine is rich in talent and has contributed to
history, science, and culture worldwide. This album may include persons you might
not want to read about. Do not skip through these pages. Read them all, just don’t
repeat their mistakes.
Despite the Holodomor famine, Stalinist repressions, wars, and the criminal
shooting of activists in Maidan, our inner desire for freedom and the powerful energy
of our land are deep undercurrents that determine the fate of each of us.
At the age of 15, you already speak 6 languages, and I am sure that you will
grow and learn more. But you think in Ukrainian because it is your mother tongue.
I hope that this publication inspires you further and encourages you to seek out new
names. I have left some blank pages at the end of the album for you to continue filling.
- Consider yourself a free individual
- Do not be afraid!
- Let your bright future give life to our past!
- With love,
- Your mama
