American Nationalities Movement honors Senator Rob Portman and Councilman Tony Brancatelli Holy Spirit Party Center - Parma December 10, 2022
The American Nationalities Movement (ANM) was formed for the purpose of uniting all the nationalities in the United States in the goal to educate, advocate and represent their interests of all the diverse ethnic groups to the public and mostly to the political leaders of the United States.
They say "Despite all the efforts to liberate humanity there still are tyrants and dictators holding people in captivity. Thus, there is still work to do and the American Nationalities Movement reconfirms its dedication to Freedom for all people."
Each year since 1959 they celebrate Captive Nations Week. On December 10, 2022 they honored US Senator Rob Portman for his "Outstanding Service to the Ethnic Communities." They also presented their Freedom Award to Anthony (Tony) Brancatelli.
After a social hour with Christmas and other music ANM President Ralph Perk Jr. welcomed the crowd.
Ralph Perk Jr.
He introduced Ohio State Senator Matt Dolan who gave the invocation.
Ohio State Senator Matt Dolan
Then Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek recognized some dignitaries in attendance and thanked Senator Portman for his service.
Councilman Mike Polensek
NOTE: All the images below with a white arrow in the middle are videos. (The other images are just photos) You can click on the white arrow to watch the video of whatever is described. Make sure your speakers are on and you can make the video full screen once it begins by clicking the icon in the lower right corner.
Next, Terrence Smith performed a recreation of President George Washington's 1796 Farewell Address in honor of Senator Portman.
Terry Smith
Next, Anthony (Tony) Brancatelli received the Freedom Award. Former Cleveland Councilman Brancatelli was introduced by ANM President Ralph Perk Jr. and then by his colleague Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek. Brancatelli is a lifelong resident of Slavic Village in Cleveland and the grandson of Polish and Italian immigrants.
Anthony (Tony) Brancatelli and Judge Perk
Next the ANM honored US Senator Rob Portman for his outstanding service to the ethnic communities. ANM President Ralph Perk Jr. gave his remarks and then Cleveland American Middle East Organization president Pierre Bejjani gave his thanks.
Pierre Bejjani
Then Marta Kelleher, President of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio, thanked the Senator for his work for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
Marta Kelleher
Her 12 year old nephew Simon presented the Senator with a special piece of art as thanks.
Simon and Senator Rob Portman
Rocky Perk, Simon, Senator Rob Portman and Marta Kelleher
Senator Portman then gave his remarks and stressed the importance of Ukraine to the entire world. At the end, the crowd gave the Senator a standing ovation.
US Senator Rob Portman
President Perk wrapped up the program with a warning about losing freedom. He said, among other things, "Many have become complacent about freedom and safety…Being prepared is important…We have to work to maintain freedom. It doesn't come naturally."
Want to learn about ethnic and cultural events in Cleveland such as this? Sign up for the free eNews and every Tuesday evening you will receive a free e-mail listing the next week's events. It's easy and free.
