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WHEREAS, It is estimated that close to 100,000 Slovak immigrants came to Pittsburgh in the 1890s looking for work and the chance for a better life, making the region home to the most number of Slovaks in the country; and,
WHEREAS, The Slovak-immigrant community has been a key component to building both the City of Pittsburgh and to a large extent the nation; and
WHEREAS, for 85 years the Slovaks of Western Pennsylvania have gathered in Kennywood Park to celebrate their heritage and socialize with old friends and make new ones; and,
WHEREAS, all Slovak American organizations, churches, fraternals and businesses in Western Pennsylvania participate to make it a day full of cultural activities, fellowship and fun; and,
WHEREAS, this year Reverend Micah E. Kozoil will celebrate a Mass with fellow clergy of the Pittsburgh and Greensburg Dioceses; and
WHEREAS, The Slovakian culture is alive and well in the region as events such as this that reinforce the importance of cultural heritage to new generations of Pittsburghers.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and celebrate the 85th Annual Slovak American Day at Kennywood Park on July 17, 2008; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare July 17, 2008, SLOVAK DAY in the City of Pittsburgh.