On this momentous occasion of the United States Semiquincentennial, the Congress of Russian Americans extends its most heartfelt congratulations to our nation. Two hundred and fifty years ago, a bold vision of liberty, justice, and opportunity was born. Today, we proudly stand together to celebrate the enduring legacy and triumph of that great American experiment.
For some of our members, America is the land of their birth. For many others, it is the destination of a long journey—a beacon of hope that welcomed us or our ancestors with open arms. But regardless of where our individual stories began, for all of us, the United States is, first and foremost, our cherished home.
Since the earliest days of this Republic, Russian Americans have stood shoulder to shoulder with men and women of all backgrounds and nationalities to defend, build, and enrich this country. We have shared in its struggles, rejoiced in its victories, and worked tirelessly to make this nation great.
Our history is deeply woven into the fabric of American greatness. We remember military leaders like Brigadier General John Basil Turchin (Ivan Turchinov), who fought valiantly for the Union during the Civil War, helping to keep our nation whole. We celebrate visionary scientists and inventors like Igor Sikorsky, whose aviation pioneering transformed the skies, and Vladimir Zworykin, the father of modern television. We honor the unparalleled cultural contributions of artists, composers, and creators like Sergei Rachmaninoff, George Balanchine, and Irving Berlin, who gave America a voice, a rhythm, and a soul that resonated across the globe.
As we celebrate the 250th jubilee of the United States, we also reflect on our own journey. Having recently crossed our own half-century milestone—marking over 50 years since the founding of the Congress of Russian Americans—we recognize that our organization’s story is inextricably linked to the American story. For a half-century, we have dedicated ourselves to preserving our cultural heritage while fostering a strong, engaged, and patriotic Russian-American community. Our 50 years of advocacy is a proud chapter within this quarter-millennium of American freedom.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunities this great country has provided. May the United States of America continue to be a shining city on a hill—a land of liberty, justice, and boundless opportunity for all generations to come.
Happy 250th Birthday, America! May God bless our shared home.
— The Congress of Russian Americans
