Bipartisan Resolution Proposes Serbian-American Heritage Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of five members of the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced a resolution proposing that February be officially recognized as Serbian-American Heritage Month, a measure intended to honor the history, culture, and lasting contributions of Serbian Americans to the United States.

The resolution, introduced with support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, highlights the achievements of Americans of Serbian descent and points to milestones such as the legacy of inventor Nikola Tesla and Operation Halyard, the World War II rescue mission that saved hundreds of Allied airmen. It also encourages Americans to observe February each year through educational and cultural programs celebrating Serbian heritage.

Serbia's Ambassador to the United States, Dragan Šutanovac, said the proposal is the result of months of work by the Serbian Embassy in Washington and the support of the co-chairs of the Congressional Serbian Caucus, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver and Rep. Claudia Tenney. He also noted that four new members joined the caucus during the past year, reflecting growing congressional interest in Serbian-American relations and helping advance the resolution through the legislative process.

Bp. Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America welcomed the initiative, saying, "We are privileged that the month of February was designated as Serbian-America Heritage Month, given that it is the month in which Serbia celebrates its Statehood Day, on the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord - Sretenje . . . when in 1804 the First Serbian Uprising evolved into a revolution to free Serbia from Ottoman occupation. Then, again on Sretenje, in 1835, the first Serbian modern constitution, known as the 'Sretenje Constitution' was adopted." He concluded by recalling the words of St. Nicholai Velimirovich: "History, tell me who you are, so that I may know who I am!"

Previously, the UOJ reported that Serbian World Cup champions donated a gold medal to a Montreal church.