American Nationalities Movement Christmas Program 2025 Holy Spirit Hall - Parma December 20, 2025
The American Nationalities Movement held their annual Christmas Program on Saturday December 20, 2025. The American Nationalities Movement 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. This pursuit of our common interest to achieve an understanding of the complex issues that confront each group individually and collectively and that without our united efforts all of us will be endangered
Judge Ralph Perk Jr. is the current (and only the third) president of the American Nationalities Movement. The first president was his father, the late Mayor Ralph Perk. He was followed by Irene Morrow. All three have been inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to the region's ethnic diversity and heritage.
A full house was on hand and the program began with a welcoming introduction from ANM president Hon. Ralph J. Perk Jr..
Ralph J. Perk Jr.
Next was the invocation from Father Dennis Mrosso, Chaplain of Marymount Hospital.
Father Dennis Mrosso
Judge Colleen O'Donnell, candidate for Ohio Supreme Court, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Judge Colleen O'Donnell
Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek introduced the public officials in attendance.
Mike Polensek
Watch a video of the above.
Richard Klein gave an update on the Perk Project at CSU.
Richard Klein
Terrence Smith portrayed Wilderness Man Eustace Conway in a special presentation titled "A Story of Freedom." Watch.
Terrence Smith
Then the award ceremony began. ANM President Ralph Perk Jr. announced Anthony P Capretta as the first honoree. He was the first Italian-American to serve in various Auditor and other civic positions. He was called out of town so his good friend Charles Giunta accepted for him and gave remarks.
Charles Giunta
Valerie Swazey, Charles Giunta and Ralph Perk Jr.
Then, William Northup was introduced. He has been very active in the Slovak community and serves as the President and Corresponding Secretary of the Cleveland-Bratislava Sister Cities, Inc.
William Northup
Valerie Swazey, William Northup and Ralph Perk Jr.
The third awardee was Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem. He has been very active in the Lebanese community and many other causes including Veterans organizations.
Mayor Cyril Kleem
Valerie Swazey, Mayor Cyril Kleem and Ralph Perk Jr.
After a delicious lunch, raffle and Christmas music the meeting was adjourned. Here are some more photos from the event.
CAMEO table
David and Renate Jakupca
Ohio State Senator Tom Patton and Justice Terrence O'Donnell
Mayor Cyril Kleem, Rocky Perk and William Northup
Pierre and Mary Bejjani with Jim Trakas
Pam Yuko, Tobias Engle, Marta Kelleher, Kenny Yuko, Rocky Perk and George Jaskiw
Mrs and William Northup with Paul and Fran Burik
Gary Byndas and Mike Wojtila
Judge Colleen and Justice Terrence O'Donnell and Valerie Blazey
Mark George with Cyril and Melissa Kleem
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