Consul General Dr. Vladimir Božović Attended the Opening of the “Serbian Heritage Days” in Pittsburgh, Organized by the Serbian National Federation

19. Jul 2025.
At the invitation of the Serbian National Federation (SNF), the oldest Serbian organization in the United States—founded in Pittsburgh in 1901 by the great scientist Mihajlo Pupin and the renowned inventor Nikola Tesla—Dr. Vladimir Božović, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, attended the ceremonial opening of the major three-day event known as the SNF Three Days or “Serbian Heritage Days.” Held each summer in Pittsburgh, this traditional gathering represents a true celebration of Serbian heritage and identity on American soil.

This manifestation is a unique expression of Serbian cultural pride, community unity, and a testament to the enduring efforts of generations of Serbian Americans to preserve their roots. This year’s edition, with a significant presence of Serbian community members from across the United States, held special significance due to the presence of Consul General Dr. Božović, whose visit symbolically strengthened the connection between the institutions of the Republic of Serbia and the people who, since 1901, have lived, worked, built, and remained loyal to their homeland.

The opening ceremony was held in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh and featured a local Serbian band performing traditional music, energizing the audience with the spirit of the Serbian people from both sides of the Atlantic. The celebration also attracted attendees of diverse backgrounds who took the opportunity to experience Serbian culture firsthand. Following the opening, many participants attended a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game, where a special announcement from the stadium’s PA system publicly recognized the Serbian community and its lasting contribution to the city’s cultural and historical fabric.

After the game, a spectacular fireworks display marked the continuation of the celebration at the Serbian Club in Pittsburgh, where guests enjoyed a rich cultural program, warm fellowship, and the spirit of unity that has characterized Serbian life in Pennsylvania for over a century.

The event continued the next day with a special gathering on a riverboat cruise along Pittsburgh’s rivers, offering guests a unique view of the city, traditional Serbian food and wine, music, and a chance to strengthen existing ties and build new friendships.

On Sunday, the final day, a solemn Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be served by His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America, New York, and Washington, along with clergy from the Diocese, with a large attendance of faithful and guests expected.

Throughout the event, Consul General Božović used the opportunity to present the work and accomplishments of the Consulate General in New York and to discuss opportunities for cooperation with the Serbian diaspora. He especially encouraged people of Serbian descent to renew or apply for citizenship of the Republic of Serbia, which was met with great interest among the attendees.

In his address, Consul General Božović emphasized:

“I am deeply moved by this magnificent event and the strong sense of patriotism shown by these wonderful people—the descendants of our ancestors who came to Pittsburgh more than a century ago. Some belong to the second, third, or even fourth generation of Serbian Americans, yet they have not forgotten their roots. Here, in what was once a great industrial hub, they have preserved their faith, language, spirituality, and culture in a way that commands admiration. Serbia lives in them. Today, the Serbian diaspora is one of the most important pillars of preserving our national identity and a vital resource in strengthening Serbian-American relations.”

During his visit, Dr. Božović held several meetings with the leadership of the SNF and other prominent representatives of the Serbian community in Pennsylvania. They agreed on specific cooperation plans in the fields of cultural diplomacy, youth education, and joint programs aimed at deepening ties between the Consulate General in New York and the SNF, which has been the cornerstone of organized Serbian life in the U.S. for over a century.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, whose jurisdiction includes Pittsburgh, remains committed to strengthening connections with the Serbian community, providing consular support, and encouraging cooperation in areas of culture, economy, and heritage preservation.

Consul General Božović’s presence left a strong impression on hosts and attendees alike, who welcomed him as a true representative of Serbia and a messenger of closer cooperation between the homeland and the diaspora. His visit was recognized as one of the most significant diplomatic gestures of support to the Serbian community in Pittsburgh in recent decades. Organizers expressed their deep gratitude and hope that such meetings will become a regular practice and a symbol of the deepening relationship between Serbian institutions and the Serbian people in the United States.