Pellegrini Meets Expats at Slovak Heritage Festival in USA

New Jersey/Bratislava, 22 September (TASR) - As part of his working trip to the USA, President Peter Pellegrini met compatriots in East Brunswick, New Jersey, at the 47th annual Slovak Heritage Festival on Sunday (21 September), the President Office's communication department has informed TASR. The festival takes place every year in the fall and is one of the largest Slovak festivals in the USA attended by thousands of people. Pellegrini on this occasion highlighted the strength, hard work and vitality of the Slovak community living abroad. "Slovakia is a small country, it's population is only 5.5 million, but hundreds of thousands of Slovak men and women have left their native country in the past and set off for distant corners of the world. I am extremely proud when I see people like you, who may have lived your entire lives here in America, but the Slovak heart still beats proudly and strongly in your chest. It is wonderful to see and feel it," he said. The president stated that this festival, which has been taking place for almost half a century, helps to preserve the Slovak identity. He also thanked the foreign affairs and culture ministers for their regular support of Slovak compatriots abroad and for their contribution to the festival's organisation. The president recalled historical and current events, ties and values ​​of the democratic world that connect Slovakia with the USA. In this context, he highlighted the importance of the Cleveland Agreement, the 110th anniversary of which we are marking this year and which was a significant milestone in the history of Slovaks and their path to independence. Pellegrini in his speech praised the contribution of Slovaks living abroad to spreading Slovakia's good name in the United States and to building mutual ties. "As in the past, the active role of our largest community in the world is usefull for Slovakia today as well. And this is especially true thanks your talents and skills, thanks to your everyday activities in your communities, and also thanks to the activities for the benefit of Slovakia, through which you spread its good name and support the strong ties with the USA, which we need in Europe today," stated the president. The Slovak Heritage Festival is one of the oldest and most important events of the Slovak community to take place in the United States. It offers a rich cultural programme, such as folklore performances, performances for children and traditional Slovak cuisine. This year it was opened with a holy mass, followed by a ceremonial opening and performances by Slovak and expat ensembles. ko