The reception was held at the Consulate General's Office in Chicago to mark Statehood Day, which was attended by representatives of the local institutions, Consular Corps, Serbian Orthodox Church, representatives of Serbian Clubs and Associations, business people and dignitaries from the local Serbian community, including ex Consul General of Serbia Mr. Desko NIkitovic.
After the anthems (opera diva Sladjana Saric) were intoned, congratulations read on this occasion by Chicago Mayor Lorry Lightfoot, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.
In his speech Acting Consul-General M. Varadinovic recalled that the first Constitution of the Principality of Serbia of 1835 was one of the first such legal acts that limited the power of the Prince and introduced the division of powers into a legislative, executive and judicial. This Constitution symbolizes Serbia's enduring aspiration for democracy and freedom within the family of European nations.
At the end of the official part of the program, the folklore ensemble "Kolo" performed the song "This is Serbia".
A report on this event was made by the local RTV Avala and was broadcasted by RTS and BN.
