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 Serbian Americans from 15 states gathered on the Capitol Hill event to remind their Representatives of the deplorable conditions and daily violations of the human rights of minorities in Kosovo and Metohija. They also gathered to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla.
His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher blessed the Serbian American Day on the Hill; he attended our luncheon program in the Cannon office building and presided at the vespers and memorial service for the heroes of Kosovo on June 27, the eve of Vivovdan. Congresswoman Melissa Bean (Milica Luburic) came to greet her fellow Serbian Americans. Also, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, Ivan Vujacic, greeted the guests and participants of the Serbian American Day on the Hill.
 Keynote speaker Mr. Robert Uth, co-author of “Tesla Master of Lighting” gave a short talk on the life and contributions of Nikola Tesla and presented a clip of the film he made about Tesla.
Keynote Reverend Dr Keith Roderick spoke on his personal experiences in Kosovo and Metohija and on the need to have religious freedom and human rights respected and protected. After his speech, guests viewed a clip of the film, “Enclaves of Kosovo,” made in 2005 by Ms. E. Valgiusti (producer and director) about the appalling present-day situation of Serbian Orthodox Christians in Kosovo and Metohija.
 The Serbian Unity Congress acknowledged the work of Senator George V. Voinovich in helping Serbia become a democratic and developing country. His work in the region is helping to promote stability and democracy. He received a commemorative Nikola Tesla plaque.
The President of the Serb National Federation, Dr. Daniel Pyevich helped greatly with his support of this event and was an enthusiastic speaker at the June 26 luncheon.
 After the luncheon, participants went to visit their Representatives and to help bring visibility to Serbian American voters in their respective districts. They presented difficulties of the people living in Kosovo and Metohija. The movie, “Days Made of Fear” by Mr. Ninoslav Randjelovic, was distributed to Representatives of Congress. In addition, the Serbian Unity Congress gave all present with a copy of its new booklet on Prominent 19th and 20th Serbian Americans, who helped build our country. Meetings with Department of State and National Security Council were organized. And, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia hosted a reception for the event participants on other guests.
 On Tuesday evening, a vesper and memorial service took place at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Metropolitan Christopher gave a homily on the importance of Vidovdan and 150th Anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla. The Serbianna Choir, based in Washington D.C., sang a selection of traditional Orthodox hymns.
Special thanks to all our guests, participants, donors and the Washington D.C. Chapter that made this event a success.
Thank you!
Reports and speeches
Report by Zvezdana Stojanovic-Scott, SUC Washington Chapter President
NIKOLA TESLA: HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Speech Presented By Robert Uth - PDF)
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