American Nationalities Movement Christmas Program Honoring Archbishop Broglio, Matt Dolan and Jim Trakas Holy Spirit Party Center - Parma December 9, 2023
The American Nationalities Movement (ANM) was formed for the purpose of uniting all the nationalities in the United States in the goal to educate, advocate and represent their interests of all the diverse ethnic groups to the public and mostly to the political leaders of the United States.
They hosted their Annual Program and Christmas Party on December 9, 2023 at Holy Spirit Party Center in Parma Ohio. Judge Ralph Perk Jr. is the current (and only the third) president of the American Nationalities Movement. The first president was his father, the late Mayor Ralph Perk. He was followed by Irene Morrow. Three honorees were presented the Freedom Award: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Jim Trakas and Ohio State Senator Matt Dolan.
Ralph Perk Jr., Senator Matt Dolan, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Jim Trakas and Irene Morrow
After a social hour, Judge Perk welcomed the crowd and the Joseph J. Jacubic American Legion Post 572 Color Guard posted the colors.
Judge Ralph Perk Jr.
Joseph J. Jacubic American Legion Post 572 Color Guard
This was followed by the singing of the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Medina County Auditor Anthony P. Capretta.
Anthony P. Capretta leading the Pledge of Allegiance
Judge Perk then called up Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai the Pastor of the First Hungarian reformed Church for the invocation.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Csaba Krasznai
Watch a video of the Posting of Colors, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation.
NOTE: All the images below with a white arrow in the middle are videos. (The other images are just photos) You can click on the white arrow to watch the video of whatever is described. Make sure your speakers are on and you can make the video full screen once it begins by clicking the icon in the lower right corner.
During lunch a band played and Judge Perk led the singing of Jingle Bells.
Watch the short video of Ralph Perk singing Jingle Bells.
Next, Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek gave his remarks and introduced some dignitaries in the audience.
Councilman Mike Polensek
Next, actor Terrence Smith recited A Visit from St. Nicholas commonly known as A Night Before Christmas. He quoted Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan saying why it is important to celebrate Christmas even with all the troubles in the world.
Terrence Smith
Next the awards were presented. Judge Ralph Perk Jr. presented the Freedom Award to Jim Trakas.
Ralph Perk Jr. and Jim Trakas
Jim Trakas
Next, Judge Ralph Perk Jr. presented the Freedom Award to Ohio Senator Matt Dolan.
Ralph Perk and Senator Matt Dolan
Ohio Senator Matt Dolan
Then, Judge Ralph Perk Jr. presented the Freedom Award to Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio and Ralph Perk Jr.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio
ANM President Judge Ralph Perk Jr. thanked Past President Irene Morrow and others and gave his closing remarks.
Then Father Eric Orzech, Pastor of St Casimir and St Stanislaus Churches, gave a benediction.
Judge Ralph Perk Jr.
Father Eric Orzech
The Joseph J. Jacubic American Legion Post 572 Color Guard retrieved the colors as Taps was played on the bugle.
Enjoy these other images from the ANM Christmas Celebration.
Ralph Perk Jr., Kenny Yuko and Irene Morrow
Matt Dolan, Archbishop Broglio and Jim Trakas
Joseph J. Jacubic American Legion Post 572 Color Guard
Polish community table
Ukrainian community table
CAMEO table
Renate and David Jakupca
Kelli and Rocky Perk
Senator Matt Dolan and Jim Trakas
Tony Brancatelli and Ralph Perk Jr.
Dick and Chris Russ with Bishop Broglio
Kenny Yuko, Vik Stankus, Agnieska Kotlarsic, Dennis Kucinich, Ingrida Bublys and Gary Kotlarsic
Archbishop Broglio and Ralph Perk Jr.
Freedom Award honorees Matt Dolan, Archbishop Broglio and Jim Trakas
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