Slovenian Statehood Day and Consul General Alenka Jerak Farewell Cleveland City Hall Rotunda June 6, 2024
The annual Slovenian Statehood Day was celebrated in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall on Thursday June 6, 2024.
Flag of Slovenia in Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
The day commemorates Slovenia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991. This was a bittersweet event as it was the last such event that Slovenian Consul General Alenka Jerak would attend. Her term as Consul General is coming to a close and, sadly for us, she will be moving on.
The formal program began with the national anthems of the US and Slovenia by the Clari-ton clarinet ensemble. This video below features the Slovenian anthem, based on Zdravlijica.
Clari-ton Clarinet Ensemble
Then there were remarks and a prayer by Cleveland Diocese Bishop Edward Malesic who is of Slovenian heritage.
Bishop Edward Malesic
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.
One of the MCs for the evening was retired teacher Mojca Slak. She spoke about the meaning of Statehood and the major unforgettable events such as D-Day June 6, 1944 and Slovenian Statehood Day.
Mojca Slak
The other MC was Nicole Kusold-Matheau
Nicole Kusold-Matheau
Then there were speeches by people commemorating Slovenian Statehood Day but also saying thank you and farewell to Consul General Alenka Jerak whose term of service in Cleveland Ohio was coming to an end. There were remarks via video from Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Slovenians abroad Matej Arcon, State Secretary for Slovenians abroad Vesna Humar and Slovenian Ambassador to the USA Iztok Mirosic.
Then there were remarks and proclamations from State Senator and Minority leader Nickie J. Antonio, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, Tobias Engel and Jacob Cimperman on behalf of the State of Ohio, Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Cleveland Councilman Michael D. Polensek, Global Cleveland CEO Joe Cimperman, Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik and Honorary Consul of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys.
State Secretary for Slovenians abroad Vesna Humar and Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Slovenians abroad Matej Arcon via video
Slovenian Ambassador to the USA Iztok Mirosicv via video
State Senator and Minority leader Nickie J. Antonio
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne
Tobias Engel, Manager, State of Ohio International Affairs
Jacob Cimperman, Public Affairs Coordinator, Ohio Secretary of State
Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb
Cleveland Councilman Michael D. Polensek
Global Cleveland CEO Joe Cimperman
Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik
Honorary Consul of Lithuania Ingrida Bublys
The Consul General was introduced in Slovenian by Mojca Slak and in English by Nicole Kusold-Matheou. The audience gave her a standing ovation. Here are Alenka Jerak's remarks.
Consul General Alenka Jerak
The Clari-ton clarinet ensemble performed Pojdam u Rute, a Slovenian Folk Song. It was arranged by A. Skaza.
Clari-ton Ensemble
Clari-ton also performed Na Golici - Slavko in Vilko Avsenik, a Slovenian Folk Song. It was arranged by Benko and Clari-ton.
The Kres Slovenian Folkdance Group, led by Urska Wein Prosen, performed this traditional Slovenian folk dance.
Kres Slovenian Folkdance Group
Then people enjoyed food and Slovenian wines and took photos with the Consul General. They could also browse the display of Slovenian postcards created by August Pust.
August Pust had a long and distinguished career in the ethnic and international space having served Mayors, Governors, Senators and even Presidents. He told us that his first career was actually as an Art Director and art has always been a passion. He even created drawings that were used on postage stamps. He designed a series of postcards gathered together as the "I Remember Slovenia" collection. In this video he also told about his relationship with his friend the late Senator George Voinovich and honored his wife Gloria who passed away earlier in the week.
August Pust
Consul General Alenka Jerak thanked some of the people who supported her mission over the last few years.
Alenka Jerak and Kenny Yuko
Alenka Jerak and Joe Valencic
We were honored to be recognized for our work with ClevelandPeople.Com. It was a pleasure working with her. She has boundless energy and is a great representative of her country and culture. She, and her ever present smile, will be missed.
Dan Hanson and Alenka Jerak
Certificate of Appreciation for Dan Hanson
Enjoy these other images from the event.
Consul General Alenka Jerak and Mayor Justin Bibb
Council President Blaine Griffin, Bishop Malesic, Alenka Jerak, Nickie Antonio, Mike Polensek and Kenny Yuko
Marta Kelleher, Alenka Jerak and Dr. George Jaskiw
Ingrida Bublys, Bishop Malesic and Alenka Jerak
Alenka Jerak with Clari-ton Ensemble
August Pust TV 20 Interview
Alenka Jerak and Mayor Justin Bibb
Kenny and Pam Yuko with Alenka Jerak
Joe Valencic explains the Lady Liberty statue
Lady Liberty statue display
Kres Dancers
Alenka Jerak with Cleveland Consular Corp members
Many proclamations were given to the Consul General both as a representative of Slovenia and for her personally. These came from Cleveland Mayor Bibb, Cleveland City Council (President Blaine Griffin), Councilman Mike Polensek, State Senator Nickie Antonio, US Senator Sherrod Brown, Ohio Senate president Matt Huffman and others.
Cleveland City Council Proclamation
Cleveland Mayor Bibb Proclamation
Ohio Senator Nickie Antonio Proclamation
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