Vidovdan 2006, Washington DC.

Torrential rains of over seven inches, closed Metro lines, mudslides and fallen trees were not enough to stop over one hundred Serbian Americans joining together for Vidovdan 2006 in our Nation’s Capitol.

The Caucus room, one of the most beautifully decorated meeting rooms on Capitol Hill, was filled with the smiling faces of old and new friends of the Serbian Unity Congress. From all over the United States and from several other countries, people came to Washington, D.C. to help commemorate Vidovdan, and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Serbia’s greatest scientist, Nikola Tesla. This was also an opportunity for S.U.C. members to meet with their Congressional Representatives to ask them for their support of Serbia, and help with dealing with the Kosovo issue.

Many important guests such as Metropolitan Christopher, Congresswoman Melissa Bean, and Rev. Dr. Keith Roderick, were warmly greeted by Serbian Unity Congress president Jasmina Boulanger. Although unable to come and receive the award personally, Senator George Voinovich (via staff member) was given a bronze plaque of Nikola Tesla, that was generously given to SUC by a Washington DC local Serbian artist Dejan Jovanovic. Mr. Jovanovic also had an exhibition of his work that evening in the Embassy of Republic of Serbia.

Mr. Robert Uth, Film Producer and Director, and co-author of the book, “Tesla Master of Lightning” showed a part of his documentary on Nikola Tesla. Mr. Daniel Pyevich, president of the Serbian National Federation, and an Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Ivan Vujacic also greeted the guests.

The meeting ended with a short documentary on Kosovo that reminded everyone on how important it is to be in Congress that day and share the concerns with their Congressional representatives.

The evening was still rainy but pleasant, and guests were welcomed to the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, for some fellowship and good Serbian food.

Tuesday was the day for meetings in Congress, and at the end of the day the Serbian Unity Congress organized Vespers for Vidovdan at the beautiful Orthodox Church in Washington, D.C. lead by Metropolitan Christopher.

Vespers was followed by a performance of a local Choir “Serbiana”, and a small reception along with an Art Exhibit of another local artist, Mr. Bogdan Miscevic.

It was an event to be remembered, and the Washington chapter was very happy to host and organize it. We hope that we had had some influence on the members of Congress we met with, and hope to continue this tradition for many years to come.

Zvezdana Stojanovic Scott,
President
Washington Chapter