Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Vladimir Božović, PhD, paid a two-day official visit to Buffalo

On the first day of the visit, Dr. Lestingi hosted the Consul General, and together they toured the American side of Niagara Falls, as well as the large monument to Nikola Tesla erected in July 1976. The delegation then visited Tesla Park in downtown Buffalo, where the bust and monument to the Serbian genius are located, and later visited the “Tesla Coil” in North Tonawanda, where they met with Mayor Austin Tylec, who presented an official proclamation and announced that a section of the street had already been formally named in honor of Nikola Tesla, an important new step in preserving Tesla’s legacy in the United States.

On the second day of the visit, Consul General Božović visited the Serbian Orthodox Church community of St. Stephen in Lackawanna, attended the Holy Liturgy, followed by a communal lunch and a conversation with the Serbian community. On this occasion, Consul General Božović introduced Dr. Lestingi to Father Branislav and the leadership of the Church-School community, and during a constructive discussion they explored possibilities for joint cooperation between the Consulate General, the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the Tesla Association of Buffalo in marking the 170th anniversary of Nikola Tesla’s birth in 2026.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York will continue to support and encourage activities that promote the life and work of Nikola Tesla, strengthen ties with the Serbian community in Buffalo and the surrounding area, and contribute to preserving the cultural and scientific heritage of Serbia in the United States. Nikola Tesla remains a bridge connecting Serbia and America, the past and the future, science and spirituality, and the joint efforts of our institutions and community ensure that his name continues to live with the dignity and respect it deserves.