NIKOLA TESLA – A BRIDGE OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN SERBIA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Held in historic Philadelphia—the birthplace of American democracy—the Academy brought together scientists, professors, researchers, engineers, members of the Serbian-American community, and admirers of Nikola Tesla from the United States, Serbia, Montenegro, Republika Srpska, numerous European countries, and other parts of the world.
During the multi-day conference, participants presented numerous scientific papers and research projects dedicated to Nikola Tesla’s life, scientific achievements, and enduring contribution to modern science, technology, and civilization.
Opening the Academy, Consul General Božović emphasized that these two important anniversaries symbolize the values that continue to unite Serbia and the United States: freedom, knowledge, creativity, innovation, and faith in the power of the human spirit.
He stated:
“At a time when our world faces complex global challenges, Tesla’s philosophy speaks to us more powerfully than ever. We need people who build bridges rather than walls; who unite instead of divide; who choose dialogue over confrontation; and who use knowledge, mutual respect, and cooperation to build a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous future.”
During his stay in Philadelphia, Consul General Božović attended a diplomatic reception hosted by the Consulate of the Republic of Fiji as a guest of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia. On that occasion, he met with Ms. Krista Bard, President of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, the Ambassador of the Republic of Fiji, representatives of the City of Philadelphia, and members of the diplomatic corps, inviting them to attend the Ceremonial Academy.
On the final day of the event, coinciding with the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Philadelphia, followed by a traditional luncheon featuring specialties from Nikola Tesla’s native region, accompanied by a cultural program and continued fellowship among the participants.
Addressing those gathered after the Divine Liturgy, Consul General Božović underlined that Nikola Tesla was far more than one of history’s greatest scientific minds.
He emphasized:
“Serbia gave Nikola Tesla his spiritual roots; faith and family shaped his character, while America gave him the opportunity to transform his genius into achievements that changed the world. That is why Nikola Tesla is not only a symbol of Serbian genius and American scientific progress—he is the strongest bridge of friendship between Serbia and the United States of America.”
Consul General Božović stressed the importance of building a new chapter in Serbian-American relations based on truth, mutual respect, and strategic partnership, while overcoming outdated narratives that have burdened relations between the two nations.
He also expressed profound gratitude to the United States for providing Nikola Tesla with the opportunity to realize his extraordinary vision, while paying tribute to generations of Serbian immigrants—from Mihajlo Pupin and Đorđe Šagić to countless miners, steelworkers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and laborers—whose dedication helped build modern America.
Concluding his remarks, Consul General Božović stated that Nikola Tesla remains the most powerful symbol of the shared values of Serbia and the United States and the strongest platform for strengthening friendship, cooperation, and strategic partnership between the two countries.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York will continue to work closely with the Serbian-American community, American partners, and friends of Serbia to further strengthen bilateral relations by promoting the universal values embodied by Nikola Tesla—knowledge, freedom, creativity, responsibility, cooperation, and peace.