Notes from the Field
Pritzker Military Museum & Library Liberty Gala
While researching America before coming here, I read a good chunk about Chicago; I got invested in the city's history - especially the great Chicago fire and the mobsters period. It was a great surprise when I received a call from Professor Morris inviting me to come along to the Pritzker Military Museum and Library Gala in Chicago. It was an exciting opportunity I could not pass, and I immediately agreed; weeks later, early in the morning, I was on a plane to Chicago O'Hare Airport.
When we arrived, Chicago met us with a cold, strong wind; people call Chicago a windy city for a reason. After taking a cab downtown, I was met by vast skyrises and a business district; at first glance, the city reminded me of New York, however much more likable - no piles of trash and endless constructions, and it was well-kept. Taking that first walk around the city was great, and seeing the famous "Bean," the Museum of Arts, and the lake was great. It brought me back to my roots of living in a megapolis, fast walking, a variety of shops, and pigeons. Chicago was a city I could get lost in.
During lunch hour, Professor Morris surprised me with something I did not even know about. He got us a cab, and we were driving to the destination when I heard the driver asking Professor if "Ukrainian Village" was our destination. I looked at the Professor, flabbergasted. I completely forgot that Chicago has a Ukranian Village! If you do not know what a Ukranian Village is, it is a Chinatown or a little Italy, but for Ukrainians. Once we were there, we headed to "Tryzub." It was a family-owned Ukrainian restaurant, and all personnel were Ukrainians as well. It was the first time in a really long time that I spoke Ukrainian to a stranger. We ordered "Borscht" - a Ukrainian staple, Varenyky(dumplings with various fillings) and Chicken Kyiv ( a chicken cutlet with herb butter inside). It was definitely an experience to share a traditional Ukrainian meal with an American person, explaining the background of the dishes and how we eat them. The food itself was immaculate; their Borscht was so close by taste to my grandma's that it felt like she cooked it herself. You could definitely tell that Ukrainian hands cooked everything. This meal brought me home to something I have been missing for the past three years. At the end of our meal, we talked with personnel a little, getting to know their stories a little more as a Ukranian village is a significant center for Ukranian refugees. Another experience that brought me home was visiting a local deli store. I have never heard so much Ukrainian in America; it felt just like visiting a store at home. I was happy to leave with some items I have missed in Ukraine - Roshen Sweets in particular.
After the city exploration, we returned to our hotel to prepare for what we had come to Chicago for - the Pritzker Military Museum and Library Gala. It was a very nervous time as it was full of high-ranking and essential people. Once inside, I calmed down, trying to mingle and talk to people. That is when I was introduced to COL Pritzker. When she heard that I was from Ukraine, she spoke some Ukrainian with me that she had recently learned during her trip to Ukraine, where she sponsored the White Stork Foundation. It was a great honor to meet her and chat about Ukraine, and I am very thankful for everything this woman does for Ukraine and Norwich University.
The gala itself was a fantastic event, especially seeing President Emeritus Schnieder speak and all the great people get awarded for their life’s work. I was surprised that Ukraine was the topic of discussion for the night. At the last talk of the evening, Michael McFaul, Former United States Ambassador to Russia, spoke on the topic of Ukraine. I was happy to hear that he was an avid supporter of Ukraine and that his main message is something that Ukraine tried to say to the West for all those years of war - if we lose the war, they will not stop. I talked to him during the afterparty, expressing gratitude for his talk and stance. I have also met William McNulty, a Marine veteran who is a part of the White Stork Foundation and one of this year's PMML Award recipients. He is doing a drastic job of evacuating injured soldiers from the frontlines of Ukraine and saving their lives, for which I will be forever grateful. The night ended on a lovely note, and I was extremely happy for the opportunity to attend an event of such importance and represent Norwich University.
The next day, we left Chicago, and while my carry-on stayed the same, the knowledge baggage I was bringing back home was much more substantial. Organizations like the Pritzker Military Museum and Library and people like COL Pritzker make our world better. Through their mission and drive, they push humanity forward. It was my great honor and pleasure to attend this trip.
