Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Casey released the following statement to mark 85 years since the Holodomor:
“I join with the Ukrainian-American community to mark the anniversary of the beginning of the Holodomor. This famine was planned and executed by Joseph Stalin with the goal of eliminating the Ukrainian Independence movement, and it resulted in the death of millions of Ukrainians.
This commemoration serves as an opportunity ensure that the legacies of those who were killed persist in our collective memory. By continuing to tell their stories, and by reaffirming our commitment to protecting people from tyranny around the world, we take one more step in ensuring that the horrors of the Holodomor never happen again.
The memory of the Holodomor also instructs us to remain vigilant, to search for truth and to continue to demand dignity in all corners of the world. While the USSR was committing genocide, Stalin was directing a massive propaganda campaign to hide these atrocities from the international community. Far too many believed his lies while millions died.
As communities in Pennsylvania and across the country pause to reflect on the Holodomor this week, we rededicate ourselves to the principles of justice that are our best safeguards against persecution and redouble our efforts to work together for security and prosperity for the people of Ukraine.”
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