A year before Ukraine declared its independence from the USSR, the late legendary Vyacheslav Chornovil, writer, journalist, former political prisoner, and (at the time of this speech) the Chairman of the Lviv Regional Council, delivers an inspiring speech to those gathered (August 5, 1990). He greets the laureates of the "Hromada" Folk Festival - Cleveland's "Kashtan" Ukr. Dance Ensemble and the Cleveland Bandura Trio, comments on the support and influence of the diaspora, and gives an uplifting speech to a filled Lviv Stadium. His speech culminates upon his promise that Ukraine will become sovereign and independent! Ukraine declared its independence on August 24, 1991. Chornovil was elected 3 times as People's Deputy of Ukraine (Member of Verkhovna Rada) and served in that position from April 1992 until his untimely death on March 25, 1999. He died in an auto accident near the Kyiv Borispil Airport under suspicious circumstances after announcing his bid for the Presidency.
This speech contains the quote that since has become legendary: «Розвалюється гнила російська імперія» (The rotting Russian empire is beginning to crumble…). A visionary and an inspirational leader - Chornovil will live on as a standard bearer for freedom, democracy and human rights.