Minister for Slovenians abroad starts US visit
Cleveland, 16 September - Helena Jaklitsch, the minister for Slovenians abroad, begins a 10-day visit to Slovenians in the USA on Thursday, starting in Cleveland, Ohio and concluding in Lemont, Illinois. The overarching theme is the 30th anniversary of Slovenian independence.
The 30th anniversary of Slovenian independence will be celebrated on Thursday at Cleveland City Hall with the opening of the exhibition "Us and Them without Frontiers" and a presentation of Slovenian cuisine.
The exhibition, by the Technical Museum of Slovenia, is dedicated to individuals of Slovenian origin who, thanks to migration, have contributed to scientific and technological progress on American soil.
It highlights migration's positive impact on society, while demonstrating the close link between technical and scientific heritage, and cultural and national identity.
Minister Jaklitsch, an honorary guest at the exhibition opening, will meet with Mayor Frank Jackson before the ceremony, where she is to give a speech.
She will also announce the recipients of the Commemorative Medal, which is awarded by the Slovenian government to prominent compatriots for their role during the struggle for Slovenian independence.
During her visit in Cleveland, Jaklitsch is to meet State Senator Kenny Yuk, City Councillor Michael Polensky and the president of Cleveland Global, Joe Cimperman.
During Jaklitsch's visit, several other events will be opened as part of the Slovenian Days in Cleveland, co-organised by Slovenian Consulate General Alenka Jerak and the Slovenian community.
The minister will then continue her tour by visiting Slovenian compatriots in New York, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Joliet and Lemont near Chicago, Illinois.