Designating September 2023 as Macedonian American Heritage Month and celebrating the language, history, and culture of Macedonian Americans and their incredible contributions to the United States.

Designating September 2023 as Macedonian American Heritage Month Whereas, since the 1880s, tens of thousands of Macedonians have immigrated to the United States seeking civil liberties, human rights, religious freedom, economic opportunity, and security in response to the 1903 Ilinden Uprising against the Ottoman Empire, the 19121913 Balkan Wars, World War I and World War II, the 19461949 Greek Civil War, and the communist policies of Yugoslavia; Whereas these Macedonian American immigrants have settled across the United States, contributing to their communities in innumerable ways as loyal and patriotic citizens; Whereas there are an estimated 500,000 individuals of Macedonian heritage living in the United States, with sizeable communities in the States of Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California; Whereas the Macedonian American community in the United States is a vibrant community that is embedded within the mosaic of the United States, partaking in all walks of life, business, medicine, law, technology, civic engagement, government, the military, education, the arts, culinary world, athletics, and more; Whereas Macedonian American entrepreneurs have exhibited resilience, determination, and a commitment to hard work by overcoming challenges to achieve business success and contribute to the foundation of commerce in the United States; Whereas Macedonian American athletes have achieved remarkable success in various sporting disciplines and contributed to the rich tapestry of the sporting tradition in the United States by winning medals at the Olympic Games, winning league championships, and owning sports teams; Whereas Macedonian American artists have demonstrated exceptional skill in various art forms, including the visual arts, literature, music, dance, theater, film, and photography, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic tradition of the United States; Whereas members of the Macedonian American community have contributed greatly to the field of medicine, including in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology, among others; Whereas Macedonian Americans have been elected to serve in legislatures and courtrooms across the country, collaborating on the never-ending work of democracy in the United States; and Whereas it is important to highlight these critical contributions and the cultural impact of Macedonian Americans in the United States: Now, therefore, be it: That the Senate (1) designates September 2023 as Macedonian American Heritage Month (2) recognizes the numerous contributions of Macedonian Americans to the United States in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, politics, academics, medicine and sports; and (3) urges the people of the United States to observe Macedonian American Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs that honor the cultural contributions and achievements of Macedonian Americans.

Summary: This resolution designates September 2023 as Macedonian American Heritage Month and recognizes the contributions of Macedonian Americans to the United States in various fields.