[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ST. SAVA 
                       SERBIAN SINGING FEDERATION

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in honor and tribute to the 
75th Anniversary of the St. Sava Serbian Singing Federation, and the 
local St. Sava Cathedral choir in Parma, Ohio.
  Vjajko Lugonja founded the Serbian Singing Federation in 1931. His 
legend continues to thrive in the voices of the singers today. On a 
local and national level, the Singing Federation's member choirs 
contribute their Serbian cultural heritage through song and music. In 
Ohio alone, there are six member choirs. The group also boasts the 
largest collection of Serbian music, contained in its library, 
featuring the work of 96 Serbian composers.
  The Serbian Singing Federation also supports local high school 
seniors trying to afford college tuition through its Paul Bielich 
Scholarships, given to multiple students for general studies, as well 
as the Petar and Minnie Sekulovich Scholarship awarded to a young 
member of the choir who wishes to study music in college.
  In celebration of its 75th Anniversary, the Serbian Singing 
Federation is hosting a concert this Saturday, September 30, which will 
feature not only its 40-member ensemble, but also guest choirs, 
including the Kosovo Men's Choir of Cleveland and the Hamilton Ontario 
Choir.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honoring the last 75 
years of diversity the St. Sava Serbian Singing Federation has brought 
to Northeastern Ohio. They are an indispensable characteristic of 
Cleveland, and the Serbian community is one of the many groups that 
piece together this colorful city. By artistically perpetuating their 
culture through music, the choir offers a beautiful gift to all people.

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