Cook County Treasurer Pappas Honors Local Ukrainian Community

More than 70,000 Ukrainians call the Chicago area home, a presence Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas will recognize this Friday. Following the annual flag-raising ceremony at Daley Plaza, Pappas will host a reception at the County Building to celebrate the heritage and civic contributions of the local Ukrainian population.

Money Talk·August 21, 2026·reads: 400

The flag-raising event begins at noon at Daley Plaza. Attendees are invited to move to 118 N. Clark Street, Room 112, immediately following the outdoor ceremony for a 1 p.m. reception featuring traditional music. During the event, the Treasurer will present Certificates of Excellence to 16 local figures, including religious leaders, educators, and cultural advocates.

"We are proud to stand with the Ukrainian community by celebrating their resolve and resilience," Pappas said, noting the group's impact on local entrepreneurship and civic engagement. The celebration marks the anniversary of Ukraine's 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. The list of honorees includes Rev. Volodymyr Kushnir, Rev. Ivan Lymar, Rev. Jaroslav Mendiuk, Rev. Mykola Buryadnyk, Rev. Bohdan Kalyniuk, Rev. Vasyl Dumka, Rev. Andrii Shkvarok, Rev. Pavlo Drozdyak, Anatoliy Basarab, Maria Klimchak, Olena Smolenec, Yuriy Soroka, Andriy Chuyko, Oksana Taratula, Chrystina Wereszczak, and Nataliya Boivka.