Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York Welcomes Historic U.S. Congressional Initiative to Establish Serbian-American Heritage Month

29. Jul 2026.
On behalf of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, my colleagues, and personally, I extend my sincere gratitude to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York, as well as to all Members of Congress who introduced and co-sponsored the historic resolution proposing that February be officially recognized as Serbian-American Heritage Month in the United States.

We view this initiative as a historic recognition of the Serbian people, the Republic of Serbia, and the invaluable contributions that generations of Serbian Americans have made to the growth and prosperity of the United States.

We also believe that this Congressional initiative represents the natural continuation of a process of institutional recognition that began in New York City, where, by decision of the City authorities and at the initiative of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, February 15 – Serbia’s Statehood Day (Sretenje) – was officially proclaimed Serbian-American Heritage Day.

My team and I have worked toward this goal from the very first day of my mandate as Consul General of Serbia in New York, with a clear vision of ensuring that the remarkable legacy and contributions of the Serbian people receive the recognition they deserve throughout the United States. Today’s initiative before the U.S. Congress is an important affirmation of those efforts and a significant step toward further strengthening the friendship between Serbia and the United States.

It is especially meaningful that this historic initiative comes in the year when the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence, while Serbia and America together commemorate the 170th anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla, one of humanity’s greatest scientific minds—a Serb by birth, an American by citizenship, and a universal genius whose legacy forever united our two nations.

The choice of February is far from accidental. It is a month of profound national, historical, and spiritual significance for Serbia. Serbia celebrates Statehood Day (Sretenje), commemorating both the First Serbian Uprising of 1804 and the adoption of the Sretenje Constitution in 1835. The Serbian Orthodox Church observes the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Sretenje), while the Serbian Armed Forces celebrate their official day, honoring the proud tradition of the Serbian military, which stood alongside the United States Armed Forces as an ally during both World Wars in the defense of freedom and democracy.

This resolution honors millions of Americans of Serbian descent and generations of Serbs whose achievements in science, innovation, business, medicine, culture, public service, and military service have helped shape the United States.

I also wish to pay special tribute to the great Mihajlo Pupin—one of Serbia’s and America’s greatest scientists, a devoted Serbian patriot and philanthropist, and Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Serbia in New York. Together with Nikola Tesla, George Fisher (Đorđe Šagić), and many other distinguished Serbian Americans, Pupin built a lasting bridge of friendship between our two nations.

This initiative reaffirms the enduring alliance between Serbia and the United States, forged through shared sacrifices in both World Wars and strengthened by generations of mutual respect and cooperation.

Once again, I express my sincere appreciation to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and to all sponsors and co-sponsors of this historic resolution. I am confident that its adoption will stand as a lasting tribute to the Serbian people, the Republic of Serbia, and the countless Serbian-American families whose dedication and achievements have enriched the United States.

Sincerely,

Ambassador Vladimir Božović, PhD,

Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York

President, Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFC)