The Ukrainian-American community of Perth Amboy, NJ celebrated the 25th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 with a celebration of the Moleben to the Blessed Mother of God at the church, followed by a flag-raising ceremony and the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem in front of the parish school. The day’s speakers, Roman Wernyj underscored Ukraine’s achievements in a short period of Ukrainian independence and Olga Lytvyn spoke eloquently of the importance of this day for every Ukrainian living in the USA. The parish youth joined the festivities by planting an oak tree outside the school to commemorate the 25th Anniversary.