The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) with deep sadness expresses condolences on the passing of Ivan Drach, renowned state and community activist, talented Ukrainian poet, translator, screenwriter and playwright, who passed into eternity following a serious illness on 19 June 2018.
The passing of Ivan Drach is a great loss for his family and friends, as well as for the global Ukrainian community.
The UWC and the 20-million strong Ukrainian diaspora it unites remember Ivan Drach as a strong Ukrainian patriot who, with his passionate, poetic words and tireless work fought for Ukraine’s independence and contributed to its development as a democratic, independent European state. Ivan Drach stood at the core of cooperation with the global Ukrainian community in the new historical era after the Proclamation of Ukraine’s Independence. For decades he worked with the UWC on furthering current Ukrainian issues, graciously responded to UWC appeals and actively participated in UWC Congresses and Annual General Meetings, including the most recent in August 2017. Ivan Drach initiated the establishment of the Ukrainian World Coordinating Council and in his role as its first President developed cooperative relationships with Ukrainians around the world delivering the message that Ukraine remembers and values the state building efforts of the Ukrainian diaspora in which he was always a welcome guest.
For his exceptional merits in service to the Ukrainian people and Ukraine, Ivan Drach was awarded with the highest recognition of the UWC – the St. Volodymyr the Great Medal, and received a series of high-level awards from the Ukrainian state, including the designation “Hero of Ukraine”.
The UWC leadership and membership share in the grief of family and friends of Ivan Drach and pray for the repose of his soul.
Memory eternal!
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