The President Visits American Slovak Festival in New Jersey

During his official visit to the United States of America, on 23 September 2012 Slovak President Ivan Gašparovič attended the Slovak Heritage Festival in Holmdel, New Jersey. Nina Holy, general secretary of the Slovak League of America, welcomed the Head of State on behalf of the compatriot event organisers. In his address to compatriots, the President underlined the importance of the link between Slovakia and the U. S. as two allies, members of the North Atlantic Alliance sharing equal values. “Next year, independent Slovakia will celebrate its 20th anniversary. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that our story during these past twenty years has been one of success,” said Ivan Gašparovič. In this context, our Head of State thanked American Slovaks for their help and activities promoting the Slovak heritage, traditions and culture in the United States of America. In front of several thousands of compatriots, the President was pleased to observe that the New Jersey festival opens its gates already for the 35th time. “This event is a celebration of the Slovak national heritage, traditional culture and folklore, and for 35 years now, it has been proof that the United States is still home to Slovaks, their families and children, as well as loyal American fans of Slovakia, who want to maintain and cultivate a link with their family roots,” said the Slovak President.