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Slovak League of America Celebrates Centennial

This month marks the 100th anniversary of a special event in Slovak history— the founding of the Slovak League of America, a civic and cultural federation of Americans of Slovak ancestry.

The large population of Slovaks that emigrated to the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries remained concerned about events in Europe. Slovaks had endured more than a thousand years of Hungarian political domination, and as conditions continued to worsen, Slovaks in America sought to support their brethren. Led by fraternal leaders Rev. Stephen Furdek of the First Catholic Slovak Union and Peter V. Rovnianek of the National Slovak Society, nearly 10,000 Slovaks, representing a variety of organizations and churches, gathered in Cleveland in May 1907 to form the umbrella organization. The Slovak League supported Slovaks domestically, but also played a key role in supporting Slovaks' quest for freedom and self-determination in Europe throughout the 20th century. The League played a key role in the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Agreements that led to the emergence of the Czecho- Slovak Republic. When the events leading to World War II resulted in an independent Slovak state, the league advocated for its recognition while fully supporting the U.S. war effort at home with a hugely successful war bond drive. With the re-emergence of a post-war Czecho-Slovak state, and the unfortunate turn to Communism, the League continued its diligent advocacy for Slovaks' aspirations for freedom. Then, with the coming of the "Velvet Revolution" and the subsequent "Velvet Divorce", the League served as a key supporter of improvement in Slovak social, political and economic life.

In celebrating its centennial year, the League has sponsored a tour to Slovakia, which includes a historical seminar, a meeting with Slovak President Gasparovich, and the dedication of a statue of League co-founder Rev. Furdek. Also, the Slovak Republic will issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of the founding of the League. Finally, the League will hold an anniversary dinner on Sunday, June 10, 2007 at the Crown Plaza Hotel at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. FOS extends to the Slovak League, and its current National President, Daniel F. Tanzone, its congratulations and best wishes! ?