Novak Djokovic bust unveiled
Tesla Medal and Ceremony Serbian Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio September 11, 2022
After the unveiling of the Novak Djokovic bust in the Serbian Cultural Garden, the crowd gathered in the main garden plaza in front of the icon of St. Sava.
Serbian Garden leader Alex Machaskee reflected on September 11, 2001 and then told the story of how the bust came to be in the Garden.
Alex Machaskee
He then introduced Radomir Ilic, First Counselor at the embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Washington DC who gave remarks on behalf of the Ambassador.
Radomir Ilic
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Next, Alex Machaskee introduced Dane Medich, President of the Serbian National Federation. He gave his remarks about Novak Djokovic and recognized there Serbian National Federation Men of the Year who were in attendance: Alex Machaskee, Mim Bizic and Simo Kraguljac. He also reflected on 9-11 and wished that American politicians would adopt a variation of the Serb's slogan: Only Unity will save America.
Dane Medich
Simo Kraguljac
Next, Alex Machaskee introduced Dr. Wael Khoury who is the Chairman of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation. There are currently 35 gardens in the chain and a dozen or so in the works. Dr. Khoury congratulated Alex and the Serbian Garden for their numerous busts of Serbian cultural figures.
Dr. Wael Khoury
Next, Anastasija, Teodora and Andjelina Kosic sang some Serbian songs.
Anastasija, Teodora and Andjelina Kosic
Then Alex told a humorous story about meeting tennis great Novak Djokovic and the result of a coin toss.
Alex Machaskee
Father Dragoslav Kosir read a letter (in Serbian) from Nikola Lonchar, the president of the Tesla Science Foundation. He awarded the Tesla Medal to Milana ("Mim") Karlo Bizic. Mim then accepted the award (in English) and told how she interrupted a play that was praising Edison and not Tesla.
Father Kosir awards Mim Bizic the Tesla Medal
Mim Bizic with special flag
Mim Bizic
Father Dragoslav Kosir then awarded the Tesla Medal to Alex Machaskee. Alex thanked God and then his wife Carol, son Lex and others. Father Kosir introduced a monk from Serbia and they blessed the food. Then they sang the Serbian song To Many Years and adjourned for socializing, food and music.
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