Umdgc2013commemorativejo
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1 Dear UMD members and friends of Macedonia, We are happy to announce our 4th On behalf of our Board of Directors, the Advisory Council, Global Regional Representatives, and the entire year’s gathering! Macedonia 2013: 100 Years After the Bucharest Treaty is the theme of this year’s conference, which is a commemoration of a path travelled and the promise of the journey ahead as we build stronger friendships and partnerships. United for the future of Macedonia and Macedonians worldwide! As our nation has matured over the past nearly two and a half decades of independence, the activities of our stage become more complex, the United Macedonian Diaspora has responded by owning up to their complexity we will continue to depend on your support! signature event of the year! in the 4th Global UMD Conference! Respectfully yours, 2 3 ABOUT US international non-governmental organization addressing the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world UMD clearly and energetically articulates the voice of Macedonians within the community of nations, to protect and publication is UMD Voice UMD recognizes that the success and well-being of Macedonian communities worldwide is essential for the success UMD John L. N. Bitove, C.M. Macedonian Heritage Scholarships the prominent Canadian-Macedonian businessman, the purpose of the program is to advance the education of The UMD Fund for Macedonian Cultural Awareness and Promotion The UMD Charitable Efforts UNITED MACEDONIAN DIASPORA Canada 4 Australia Australia Global Representatives Founders Fellows UMD Advisory Council Chris Antoniou UMD Global Conference Planning Committee Chair Academic Conference 5 ЗА НАС . UNITED MACEDONIAN DIASPORA Canada 6 Australia Australia Chris Antoniou Chair Academic Conference 7 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62706 Pat Quinn GOVERNOR July 24-27, 2013 United Macedonian Global Conference Greetings! As Governor of the State of Illinois, I am pleased to extend my warmest regards to everyone gathered for the 4th Annual United Macedonian Diaspora Global Conference that will highlight historical events in Macedonian affairs. I commend the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) for organizing this event, and for your continued dedication to representing the interests and needs of Macedonians both at home and in their communities around the world. Illinois is proud to be home to more than 50,000 Macedonian-Americans, who have long dedicated their skills and knowledge as well as their entrepreneurial talent to the growth and development of the State of Illinois both culturally and economically. The theme of this year’s conference is “Macedonia 2013: 100 Years After the Treaty of Bucharest,” which will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Balkan Wars and the Treaty of Bucharest. Throughout its history, Macedonia has made great strides, joining the United Nations and the Council of Europe, achieving candidacy for joining the European Union, and applying for NATO membership. I applaud everyone gathered at this conference to honor the great patriots who made sacrifices in order to achieve Macedonia’s independence and ensure a better quality of life for future generations of their countrymen and women. On behalf of the people of Illinois, I offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable conference. Sincerely, Pat Quinn Governor 9 July 24, 2013 Greetings, It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Fourth Annual United Macedonian Diaspora Global Conference, taking place for the very first time in your ancestral homeland, Macedonia. This is an event of historic proportions and would not have been possible without the United Macedonian Diaspora. For the many hours of hard work and planning an event such as this entails, I offer my utmost thanks and appreciation to everyone who made this event possible. Indiana is proud to have a large Macedonian-American population that has contributed so much to our state and the United States as a whole. Thank you for enriching the culture of our state and strengthening the U.S.-Macedonian relationship. On behalf of the state of Indiana, I wish all in attendance a memorable, educational, and inspirational experience. Sincerely, Michael R. Pence Governor of Indiana 10 STATE OF MARYLAND OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY GOVERNOR STATE HOUSE 100 STATE CIRCLE ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21401-1925 (410) 974-3901 (TOLL FREE) 1-800-811-8336 TTY USERS CALL VIA MD RELAY GOVERNOR.O’[email protected] A MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY Dear Friends: On behalf of the great state of Maryland, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 4th Annual United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) Global Conference, being held for the first time in your homeland of Macedonia. By fostering unity among Macedonian people, the United Macedonian Diaspora promotes the Macedonian tradition within the framework of various advocacy, educational, and charitable programs. In Maryland, our diversity is our greatest strength and an integral part of our progress as a people. We Marylanders applaud UMD’s efforts to promote diversity in our homes by highlighting the importance of Macedonia’s historical, spiritual, and cultural heritage. Best wishes for a festive week in your homeland. Sincerely, Governor 11 July 24, 2013 Dear Friends: It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 4th Annual United Macedonian Diaspora Global Conference. On behalf of the great state of Michigan, I would like to congratulate you on hosting this year’s conference in your ancestral homeland for the very first time.