Organization for Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine
The Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine (ODFFU) was formed on October 27, 1946 at a conference of representatives from various Ukrainian American organizations in New York City. Founding member and first president, Mr. Yevhen Liakhovych, an engineer by training and a proponent of the Ukrainian nation's right to self-determination and independence from the Soviet Union, established the ODFFU to support the struggle for a free and independent Ukraine. Early History Throughout the years of its existence, ODFFU grew from a small group of dedicated individuals with one branch in Newark, New Jersey, to a large national organization with over 57 branches located in the most populated Ukrainian-American areas of the US. In 1990, Ukraine declared its sovereignty, and in 1991, Ukraine declared its independence. At this point, Ukraine was free, but not quite democratic. In 2004, with the "Orange Revolution,” Ukraine made larger steps toward true democracy. The ODFFU today continues its work to make sure the four freedoms are a part of this new Ukraine. Ideology of the ODFFU The name and the ideology of the “Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine” is based upon President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Four Freedoms Address