|
When Slovenia's
declaration of independence (25 June 1991) was met with violence, America's Slovenian
communities reacted quickly and effectively, uniting as one great voice to demand U.S.
recognition. The United States of America recognised the Republic of Slovenia on 7 April
1992. The Slovenian Americans are proud that their ancestral land has achieved
independence and that Slovenia has opted for a democratic system in which the same
principles and values espoused in the US are cherished.
UNITED SLOVENIAN-AMERICANS FOR
SLOVENIA
When Slovenia's declaration of independence was met with violence, America's Slovenian
communities reacted quickly and effectively, uniting as one great voice to demand U.S.
recognition. Nine months later, when President Bush recognized the fledging democracy,
Slovenian-Americans responded just as rapidly. Brought together as the United Americans
for Slovenia, many fraternal societies, parishes and cultural groups have been celebrating
this historic event and strengthening ties with the homeland. Organized on July 1, 1991,
during the height of the aggression against the Slovenian people, the United Americans for
Slovenia (UAS) grew to represent 659 organizations across the country and an estimated one
million Slovenian-Americans. After meeting with the UAS, Senator John Glenn and
Congressman Dennis Eckart sent a joint statement to President Bush supporting Slovenia.
Open letters to the White House appearing in the Washington Post and the
Slovenian-American media generated many inquiries internationally.
Joseph Valencic directed the communications efforts of the United Americans for
Slovenia. |