Published June 26. 2018 12:00AM
The Bethlehem-Murska Sobota Sister Cities Association presented the annual Slovenia flag raising ceremony June 22, which recognizes both the anniversary of the Independence of Slovenia and creation of the sister city relationship with Murska Sobota.
Held on Payrow Plaza, the ceremony features about 50 area residents joined in to recognize the role Slovenians have played in the Bethlehem area. Current BMSSCA President Eugene Novak conducted the ceremony and also received a proclamation from Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez’s chief of staff Alexander Karras.
Liliana Brockway raised the American flag while the “Star Spangled Banner” was sung, and Stephen Antalics Jr. did the honors for the flag of Slovenia while the Slovenian National Anthem was played.
Republic of Slovenia Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Vladimir Kolmani was the guest speaker, recounting the development of the American and Slovenian relationship over the last three decades.
Frank Podleiszak, Betty Sylva and Frank Gergar performed both national anthems and “God Bless America.” The Reverend Dr. Richard Ditterline offered the invocation and benediction.
Attendees retired to Saucon Valley Acres to enjoy a luncheon afterward.
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBBBetty Sylva, Frank Podleiszek and Alex Gergar provides vocal and instrumental accompaniment on the American and Slovenian national anthems, as well as on “God Bless America” at the Bethlehem-Murska Sobota Sister Cities Association monument, located at the City Center garden near the library.
