American Nationalities Movement Captive Nations Program 2026 Bohemian National Hall July 24, 2026
The American Nationalities Movement (ANM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to uniting and representing the diverse ethnic groups in the United States, advocating for their interests, and promoting cultural and political engagement. The ANM traces its roots to 1959 when Cleveland Councilman Ralph J. Perk organized a coalition of ethnic organizations to support the passage of Joint Congressional Resolution 111, which established the annual "Captive Nations Week" to highlight the plight of nations under communist regimes.
At their annual Captive Nations Week event on July 24, 2026 at the historic Bohemian Hall in Cleveland the program began with a welcome from current ANM President Ralph Perk Jr. who spoke about the group. He also spoke about past ANM President Irene Morrow who passed away earlier in the week at age 95.
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.
Fr. John Retar of St. Vitus Church gave an invocation and then Judge Pamela Hawkins led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Judge Ralph Perk Jr.
Father John Retar
Pledge of Allegiance
ANM Secretary Valerie Blazey welcomed dignitaries
Watch a video of the above.
Terrence Smith set up 13 chairs to represent the 13 US colonies. He invited dignitaries such as US Senator Jon Husted, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne and Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek to represent one of the colonies. He then recited the entire Declaration of Independence from memory in honor of America's 250th birthday. Watch
Terrence Smith as Thomas Jefferson
ANM President Ralph Perk Jr. introduced US Senator John Husted as the first recipient of the Freedom Award. Watch the Senator's remarks.
US Senator John Husted
Rocky Perk and Senator Jon Husted
Rocky Perk, Senator Jon Husted and Lucy Sticken
Next, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne was presented with the Freedom Award. Here are his remarks.
Chris Ronayne
Rocky Perk and Chris Ronayne
Jim Craciun, Rocky Perk, Chris Ronayne and Pierre Bejjani
The third awardee was Father John Kumse, pastor of the Slovenian parish St. Mary's in Collinwood. Watch.
Father John Kumse
Rocky Perk and Father John Kumse
Councilman Kris Harsh, Fr. John Retar, Rocky Perk, Fr. John Kumse, Councilman Mike Polensek and Slovenian Consul Suzanna Cesarek
Jim Craciun gave the Benediction
Here are some more photos from the event.
Honorees Fr. Kumse, Senator Husted and Chris Ronayne with Rocky Perk
Musicians
CAMEO group
Ethnic group leaders
Teevi Champa with raffle winner Erika Puussaar
Jim Craciun and friend
Rocky Perk and Alex Machaskee
Slovenian Consul Suzanna Cesarek, Fr. Retar, Fr. Kumse and Ingrida Bublys
Harold Mazzarins
Proclamation from Ohio Senator Tom Patton
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