The celebration of 24 years of Slovenian Statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall was bittersweet. This was the 6th and final event for Consul General Jure Zmauc who is completing his service in the US and moving back to Slovenia. 
Flag of Slovenia in Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
Nika Zmauc began the ceremony and the Choir led the singing of the national anthems of the United States and Slovenia.
Next, Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc introduced Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek.
Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek
Councilman Mike Polensek gave Jure Zmauc a Collinwood cap
Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman spoke next.
Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman
Then Joe Cimperman and Mike Polensek presented Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc with proclamations from City Council.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson became friends with Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc over the last 6 years of his assignment in the US and Cleveland.
He gave the Consul General a proclamation and also the key to the city at a celebration of the 24th anniversary of Slovenia's statehood in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.
Josh Prest, representing US Senator Rob Portman, spoke next.
Josh Prest, representing US Senator Rob Portman
Lynne Stevens, representing Ohio Governor John Kasich, spoke next.
Lynne Stevens, representing Ohio Governor John Kasich
 Jure Zmauc and Lynn Stevens She was followed by Ohio State Senator Kenny Yuko.
Ohio State Senator Kenny Yuko
The president of the SNPJ, the Slovene National Benefit Society, gave a proclamation to Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc.
Timothy Percic
 Other Slovenian Leaders then gave a proclamation to the Consul General.
Artist Toni Rash painted a portrait of Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc and presented it to him.
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Then Slovenian Consul General Jure Zmauc gave his farewell address.
The Slovenian Choir then sang Slovenija V Svetu (Slovenian and the World)
The Choir then sang Planinska (Alpine). The Choir's final song was Slovenija Odkod Lepote Tvoje (Slovenia from where do you get your beauty?)
The crowds then gathered to thank Consul Zmauc and enjoy Slovenian wine, potica and other snacks.
Everyone wanted to greet (and be photographed with) Jure Zmauc. Don't miss the People Page for all the photos.
Slovenian Consul General Jure ZmaucPeople Page - Slovenian Statehood and Jure Zmauc Farewell at City Hall
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