American Serb History 101

with Baba Mim....

Check out my other website too:

Not Retired From Learning! http://www.notretiredfromlearning.com

and....

Bizic Education Enterprises.

"The Power of Three"--> www.mimbizic.com

Serbian History 101
PA
United States
m.bizic@comcast.net

Website Testimonials.....

At Jibby's Fly-by (see Draza Mihailovich page in this website!) in Toledo, OH on June 15, 2008, I told the crowd that William Ward once said, "Thinking gratitude and not expressing it, is like wrapping a gift, but not presenting it." I was so grateful to be able to express gratitude to Jibby in person with an award for CONTINUED HEROISM on behalf of all the American and Serbian people.

Too, I am thankful to all of the people listed here below who expressed their gratitude by taking the time to tell me about the website. Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts! I'm so very appreciative to all of you for your support!

Mim xox

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Srbe Vole, je su Lole from Steve Kozobarich

Thank you for an informative and fun website. I am going to send it to all my American friends!
Danielle, One of the (little) singers from Kansas (My very first feedback was a great one!)

Mim, keep up the good work. Thank you for the tremendous work you have put into it. It is soundly balanced and thoroughly attractive. God bless you for this investment of talent. This is much needed. It's important to keep our histories (Aliquippa) available for current and future generations. Fr. Rodney, Carmichaels, PA
Your wonderful web site came up and I really am impressed. Congratulations.
Update: "I congratulate you on this website. Its one of the best I've ever seen. (BGYS: State College, PA)

Wow ! The web site is tremendous! God Bless You........ Nick K. (Aliquippa, PA)

Another BIG CONGRATULATIONS and God Bless you!. This site is wonderful. I'm sending it out to everyone I know. What a fantastic idea. Please keep it up. We all need to learn. All I can say is Thank you, thank you, thank you. Zivela Majka Srbija! Kathleen
KOCOBO JE CP6IJA (Washington, DC)

The website is absolutely wonderful. I am truly impressed with the volumes of information for all to explore. It is absolutely wonderful. I am so happy that you created this truly impressive site. And to think, I am friends with its creator. I will spend much time reading, thinking, laughing, praying and corresponding...due to Babamim. God Bless you for your dedication to sharing the love, culture and history of our fellow Serbian brothers and sisters. I forwarded your website to all of my fellow Serb and non Serb friends. I just love it and can't contain myself. You are indeed SUPERB. George (Monroeville, PA)

BRAVO!!! I did not have time to check your website until today. It is really great and I will share it with many people. You did a wonderful job and I will let as many people as possible know of that, so they can use it. I can imagine how much time it took to do something like that, but it is well worth it. Deacon Dragoslav (Pittsburgh, PA)

I just wanted to tell you that your website is awesome. Its great to have such a vast Serbian history "encyclopedia" at close reach. I know in the past, when I did research papers, etc... there were few resources to use. I had to go from library to library and near and far on the web to find info. I've only browsed the website briefly, as things are crazy, but I can't wait to check each page out individually later on. This is an excellent doing on you're part. John (Aliquippa, PA)

Mim- the site looks great! Do you ever rest??! Popadija Tatiana (Hermitage, PA)

What a fabulous website!!! It is magnificent. All the information and pictures - you did a marvelous job. I couldn't go through it all now but I did some. I loved how you described the Battle of Kosovo, not as a celebration of death and defeat as some people interpret it, but as one of faith and value for freedom. You expressed it so wonderfully. I am so proud of you. I will have to spend more time with it and get educated because you certainly have enough information there. Thanks so much. Ann (Phoenix, AZ)
From now on, this is going to be at the top of my favorite websites! Fr. John, NYC, NY

Great job on your Serb website!!!!!!!!! Elaine and Alan, Ambridge, PA

Just another General Officer admirer of Mim's. Give me a call when you have an opportunity. GMK. (Washington, DC)

I can't believe this site -- but I'm not surprised. I haven't had time yet to surf it all but I will and I'll make sure that my grandkids see it. You're the best! Babababs, Pittsburgh, PA

This site is great. I will be happy to share it with my contact list at Church and my family. I actually can not wait to show it to my nephew. He just graduated first grade and loves to use the computer to 'surf' instead of only playing games on it. I think that you are an amazing woman and the more that I find out about you the more I like you. We need more individuals in our community such as you. Thanks so much for sharing this. Jelena, Illinois

Now you've also heard from Alaska. There is quite a Yugoslavian heritage here, especially in Juneau. My father was Mayor in Sitka for 12 years and I am now finishing up my second term. (!!!!! :-))

Juneau was a mining town and many Serbs worked the mines there. My grandfather was the one who helped organize the workers for safe and fair conditions. My father would be an amazing source of information for you. He also speaks the language. He can tell you all the rich history from the twenties on up.

Regards,
Marko Dapcevich, Sitka, Alaska!!!

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Very good, Mim! Bane S., Cleveland, OH

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EXCELLENT! Fr. Mateja M., Columbus, OH

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Website looks terrific! Lana B., Boston, MA

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I could not stop looking at this site. I never knew you created this and it is awesome. You are amazing!!!! I loved reading your bio's as you don't brag about your personal accomplishments and I've found out some of them through family and reading about you in newspapers. As I scrolled down through the photos, I was teary-eyed (but happy tears) at the one of the Muskateers!!! (with their matching ties that they all planned to be buried with!) I can't wait to show my Father this site. The Ambridge Kolo photo was great, also! And, surprise, The Sergeant's even made the site, with Kum Andy & our Tata (again)...he'll really like that!
I have forwarded your site on to my sisters, relatives and friends this morning as I am sure they will love it. Thank you for your time, talent, and love you put forth for the preservation of our beautiful Serbian history! Have A good day, (I have to get dressed- haha!) With love, Patty S Aliquippa, PA

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Website is great. I only hope our young people read it (they seem to be glued to internet.) I especially like the photos in color. And I am grateful to your mentioning of my translation of Njegos's "Mountain Wreath." My translation of it is available from Belgrade. Everybody says it is the most readable of all MW translations. Keep up with the good work. The only thing I would like to add is to make it more contemporary. The battle of Kosovo is one thing (on the very day today), but our kids should know more about the present-day Serbia. For example, the success of our tennis player, etc. You have been traveling through Serbia lately and I am sure you have much more to say about it, especially about your meeting young people there. With best wishes for your success in your future work, your ardent double compatriot Serb , Vasa Mihailovic., Stanford, CT

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Just wanted to say your website is fantastic....bravo. Haven't read it all yet but enjoyed seeing the Aliquippa church....and esp like the wedding picture showing the entire iconastis with Apost. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I always wondered why they were removed? Do you know? Keep it up, you are an amazing woman!!! Martha Zatezalo, Weirton, WV

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I enjoyed your website and have passed it on to all of my children and relatives. Rade V., Pittsburgh, PA

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I can't beleive this website. It's fabulous. Very comprehensive. I read some but need time to go through everything. A job well done. Yvonne P., Aliquippa, PA.

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Your website is really impressive! It may be more useful than history lessons for kids. Svetlana M., Belgrade, Serbia.

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Congratulations on being the Person of the Year for the SSF. There is no greater champion for all things Serbian than you. You are truly deserving of this honor. Best Wishes!!! Started to look at your web site...very impressive. I want to spend more time and take a better look. Love, Mary Ann T., Monroeville, PA

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Mim, what a wonderful thing you are doing with this site. All the important topics are covered. How do we thank you for all you are doing the Serbs. Great work! Also, "Congratulations" on being selected SNF's Person of the Year! Can't think of anyone more deserving. George B., Canada.

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WOW, I did not know you are the daughter of Milan Karlo. I met him several times in Detroit and he was my parents favorite as editor of our Observer! Yes, he did write a lot about Chica Draza when many of our people did not. We belong to St. Stevan Decanski in Warren, Michigan. My late father collected every issue of the Observer back then. Wish I had them now.My late Aunt and Uncle Cheda and Charna Manojlovich had a radio show called Serbian Melodies for 15 years and it seems everyone around the country knew them. I bet your parents did too! Savo Subotich, St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

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From my Japanese friend, Fumi, earning her Doctorate degree in Languages from Essex Univeristy in England, while living in Portugal!

Fumi on her 17th birthday in Pittsburgh!

I am very happy every time I receive your messages, Mim! Thank you for sending me the greatest website! It was a very good surprise to see your stunningly professional website, and I have so far read about your amazingly successful career stories, which have really encouraged me to pursue mine. I am very proud of you, Mim!! :-)

Sorry for my late reply, as I have been busy in getting used to my new life and studying to finish off my thesis at the same time. I am now (temporarily, though) living in Portugal near Coimbra University, Portugal. I have recently moved here, but I am flying back to the UK every month to see my PhD supervisor. Anyway, now I really want to finish my thesis as soon as possible. Take care and please give my best regards to your family!

Beijinhos (kisses in Portuguese)
Fumi
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What an amazing website!!! It's a gift not just to your church but to anyone interested in Serbian history. Your love and enthusiasm for your Serbian heritage makes the reading all the more interesting! How wonderful that your knowledge can now be shared with people all over the world! Good job! Congratulations, too, on your latest honor (SNF Person of the Year 2007-08). I love the fact that while you are technically retired, your amazing resume continues to grow! Forget the athletes, our scientists need to study you to see how to produce more Mims! I'm really enjoying the website. I've already got more saints to pray to, and recipes to try! Jean F., Sewickley, PA.

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I sent your website on to a few people and the response has been great! Georgine Stolsolovic, Chicago, IL

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Just looked at your Serbian History 101 with Baba Mim site. It is absolutely grand and I commend you on the outstanding job you did with it. I will certainly pass the link on to everyone I know.
Paul Bielich, Detroit, MI

P.S. - Thanks for including the SSF in with the "Serbian organizations" section.

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Just wanted to compliment and commend you on your superb website! Your research, information, and the amount of time devoted to this site are certainly appreciated! too often, we Serbs neglect to commend our own for their talents and work. Your labor of love is a gift to all of us. I am glad my sister mentioned Cici Adam receiving the award at the first presentation; he would have loved this site, also. As a past SSF Board member, Sloboda singer/officer, I want to thank you too, for mentioning our SSF as we have been in the forefront of preservation of our music on this continent. Zivela, Mim! Know your efforts are NOT in vain! Very sincerely, Ljubi Ostoich Hayden, Lansing, IL.

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Great website. I cannot believe you remembered Dusan's deklamacija. We are at Shadeland now. What fun. It is hard to believe that my child is a camper. I feel like it was only yesterday I was a camper myself. Tracy K., Monroeville, PA

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Just thought I'd drop a line. My Kum Mimo Papich just emailed me about your delightful website. As for me, I'm living in Salt Lake City now. My novel is more than 80% done and should be finished before the end of summer. I'm at 400 pages and winding down. As you probably guessed, it's about a Serbian mining family out west. Keep up the good work!! Have a good time at 3-day! I saw you were being honored. God bless you. Puno congratulations. You deserve it. I just wish I could be there. I think you'll see my Kum Mimo, also a Shadeland camper, there. Rich Kulics, Salt Lake City, Utah.

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My daughter Zora sat on my lap (she's 4) and watched the video on the Draza Mihailovich website page with me. She asked me why I was crying when it was a nice story. Holly Jovanovich, from the north side of Chicago.

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Congratulations on being selected SNF Woman of the Year! You truly deserve it. Also, your website is awesome!!! Thanks for all you do for the Serbs.
God grant you many, many years! Sincerely,
David, Donna, & Nikola Vranesevic, McKeesport, PA

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Have fun this weekend a well deserved honor for you. Everyone in the South Side is proud. Stephen W., Pgh. PA

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I have not yet taken the opportunity to say "CONGRATULATIONS!!!!" to you. Nobody deserves this award more than you do. Your family must be so proud of you - I know your "choir family" is. Cheryl L., Aliquippa, PA

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Saw your website and it brought tears to my eyes. Your hard work, expertise and knowledge of Orthodoxy and Serbian heritage is outstanding. God bless you a million times for your labor of love. I will pass it on to all of my Serbian relatives and friends. Dad is here rambling on about the Bizic family and all the good times. Keep up all the good work and God Bless! Sara Jane Studen, xoxooxo, Pittsburgh, PA

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Just wanted to tell you I perused your website this morning and you deserve all the highest accolades for taking the time, effort, interest and appreciation in maintaining this wonderful resource center you have put together. I know how much work goes into what you are doing, and so many people do not take the time to even show thanks or appreciation for what some of us endeavor to perpetuate our heritage. There is a wealth of knowledge there and enjoyment. Bless you for your hard work. Martha K.S., Monroeville, PA

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Kuma Mim; Your talents are obviously limitless! I viewed your website this past weekend and am amazed with the wealth of information that the site provides. And, I believe that it's fair to say that, knowing you, you are far from done.

With this website, you have done more to publicize the positive aspects of the Serbian people and Orthodoxy than those Serbian organizations that should be doing so (e.g. SNF, SUC, SNDC, etc.).
Congratulations again on being named this year's "Serb National Federation's Person of the Year". It is an honor that is well deserved and long overdue.
I have always been, and continue to be, proud to call you Kuma. Kum Bob S., Moon Twp., PA

(Please visit the FAMOUS SERBS page, scroll down and see how Kum Bob has helped make this site better! God bless him! He's ONE in a million!)

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I have been at work in the Hague for the past few weeks, since my defense team is currently presenting our case and I have fallen behind on personal email.

I have looked at your website and it's fantastic! It has so much information on it. I have passed it along to my brother, who lives in Boston, and I will also forward it to some other Serbs to get their input on it. But thank you for putting together such a great site that we can now pass along to other Serbs.

I am looking forward to meeting you and thank you for taking the time to come up to Buffalo for the wedding. I hope everyone has a wonderful time and as you said, that it's like an old-fashioned svadba.

Please email again with any questions or just to chat. I am always happy to share my experiences at the Hague. Aleks B., the HAGUE, Netherlands

(We're ALL so proud of our Aleks! God bless her!)

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This is a lot of Valuable work that you are doing to keep Serbian people informed and inspired to participate in their heritage. Nobody has the photos and logged memories of past events that you have collected, because of your " Serbian Obsession". I say this in a kind way. If you weren't driven to collect these historical memories, so much would be lost that is of value. Thank you for your efforts. It's a big job. All of these articles and photos are of good, hard working people who make things continue to happen. Bless all of you! Vangie M., Pgh. PA

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Good site! Nice meeting you and hope you enjoyed your trip to Trebinje. Hope to see you again and to have all of you as our guests.

Vaso and Tanja

Best Regards from TVIKO-real estate & tourism

(Read more about Trebinje and Tanja's writings on the Kosovo Men's Choir page.....)

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I checked out babamim.com and I LOVE it!

Sladjana Milicevic, Erie, PA

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What a great website! It was very nice meeting you on the plane yesterday. All the best. Rick

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Hi Mim! Thank you for sharing all of your information on the trip. And bless you for this website. I'm passing it on to all the Coso/Bajich families and my kids! Tijana Zelich, Ohio

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9/5/08 Mim.... it seems that every time I visit your site, I see something different from my previous visit.I know that it is impossible to see everything with one visit, that is what makes it so wonderful.

While reading comments from your many, many admirers I saw that Aleks Bojovic left a message and it mentioned that you would be at her wedding last week. If you were there, I am sorry I missed you. Maybe the next time.

Anyway, give my regards to Rose Ann and all the best to you and your family.

Maybe we ought to put you on the ticket with Sarah when she runs for president.

Stevo Baich, Lackawanna, NY

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Dear Mim:

I'm ashamed that I didn't write earlier to congratulate you on the great honor bestowed on you by the Serbian Federation. It is so deserving as I know your devotion to the Serbian tradtitions and customs. I envy that feeling although I share a love of my parent's homeland but no one works as hard or fights as hard to keep and preserve those ttraditions in our great country as you. We both are loyal Americans but certainly are proud of our heritage.

Love, Gino Piroli, Aliquippa, PA

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I checked out the website. Its awesome.
Rightly so, Serb everywhere should be proud of their Mim.
Keep up the good work.
Erv, Pittsburgh, PA

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Hallo Babamim, we met on the plane from Belgrade to Frankfurt, if you remember. I saw your web address, it is great. First time I see some nice things about our country, and not only the bad comments about us. Thank you for that. We've been 12 days in USA, we had a great time and it is a very beautiful country. I especially liked Miami. So, i just wanted to say hallo. it was nice talking to you. Warm regards from Natasa (Belgrade).

(Natasha's Belgrade Choir/Bistrick Orchestra appeared at the Library of Congress and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC)

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Sep 20, 2008

God bless you, Milana Bizic!!!

People like you are as hard to find, as a golden penny lost in a stack of hay. This is a rare gem found only through our custom of story-telling and passed on from generation to generation. That is why you were able to locate the place where St. Sava was born, and the church where he was baptized. Yes people write, now a day, but we held on from the twelfth century, through the entire period of Turkish occupation, passing the information relevant to our people from generation to generation,. And it held on until someone finally recorded it in written form.

Our Jennifer , bless her, has forwarded your site to me this evening. I have only had time to skim through all titles and content, but I will religiously go through everything you have here. I have noted, and it is understandable, some minor Serbian language errors. If you want me, I will correct them for you and send them via mail, or email.

I am so proud to know you, Milana. And am sorry we missed you last time we went to Pittsburgh. I am forwarding this to everyone I know.

My very best wishes to you. Be proud of yourself, as much, as I know you are of our heritage.

In exchange I will send you something from my thesis on Milos Obilic and Tzar Lazar.

Respectfully yours,
Marta Trklja, Canada

I am very proud of you Milana, and you sure deserve any reward you get.
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Hi Mim, You have a wonderful website. The trip pictures (Kosovo Men's Choir in Serbia, etc.) are great. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow night for the concert in Kent State, Canton. Regards, Steve Turcola, Ohio

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It is just beautiful. I can imagine how much time, knowledge, energy and love you need to have to keep it like that and to continuously add more information. I will for sure recommend your website to others. Deacon Dragoslav.

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May the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you!

Dear Milana,

I was just looking through your web work. It is well done.

As a side note and update to the "Tid Bits" under Montana, The Butte web page link now has a "360 deg. Moving View" on the bottom tab on the left of the home page. holytrinitybutte.org A person can "Scrub" (move curser and move the view) around the inside of the Church.

It gives a GREAT Look at our tradition of "Iconography" which is so little known in the West, But so vital for our experience of Faith, and it's ongoing continuity.

You may want to consider having a tab in your page on "ICONS". But I will leave that up to you. You do great work without my suggestions....

In CHRIST !

Fr. Russell Radoicich
Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church
Butte Montana

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WOW... you continue to raise the bar in everything that you do!! How blessed our community is to have you, is all I can say.

Milana Milosh, Aliquippa, PA (+Sam and +Veda Milanovich's daughter.)

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Oct. 29, 2008

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to make your acquaintance. Your personal page on your website is quite something. You certainly have lived a fulll and meaningful life. I know your (late) father is proud and smiling down from his new home.

My, oh my. The internet is a treasure trove, if one just knows how and where to search.

Your web site is incredible. So full and rich and alive. As a reader, I can feel the love and energy you pour into it. As one who is responsible for the upkeep of an agency website, I understand the time, effort and hard work you must devote to keep your site so current and informative.

Update 11/12/08

Mim, you are amazing-- a walking Serbian history encyclopedia. By the way, I took your advice & ordered David Martin's latest book, published in 1990. His bio bespeaks his credibility, so I'll feel confident of the veracity of what I read.

Cindy Lou Johnson, granddaughter of Lou Christopher

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What a web site! Since I don't speak the language your site makes me sorry that I didn't attend Serbian School.

You're right about Eli Popovich being forced by our government to be the laison man for our government with Partisans. He had to do it. Cruel fate as some Serbs thought he was a turncoat. No way. He was with the OSS and the CIA for years.

George Musulin, Vic Lumovich and Mike Rajasich would come see me play when I was in Washington, DC. I was mute for hours as they spoke about their duties in Yugo with the Halyard movement.

"Fala!" for a great lesson in Serbianism and of course the Krajina where both of my Dedas were from.

Regards and thanks, Eli Grba

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Dear Mim, I'm happy to see you still active in education.

Our Petnica Center is still very highly ranked and recognized by similar Gifted organizations throughout Europe as one of among very few leading ones.

Please, let stay in touch. I am curious about your work and I do wish to establish better links with more Serbian people in the States who are interested in Education.

I hope that political relations between Serbia and the US will be improved after Bush. Best wishes,

Vigor Majic, Director, Petnica Science Center, Valjevo, Serbia.

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i spent my lunch hour looking at this awesome website...it is great! Stevie, Ambridge, PA

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Thank you so much for soing such a wonderful job of promoting our people and our traditions. Sve naj bolje!

If we have more candidates for the "Famous Serbs" page - how do we get that information to you? What is the criteria for making the list? Please give me a call and we can talk about it some. Fala Ljepo - Lex Machaskee, OH

Reply: The Criteria is only having some Serbian blood. Send any suggestions through our CONTACT page, and I'll be sure to send them onto my Kum Bob for insertion. Thanks for asking! I'm glad you visited the site and wish to help. This is SRPSTVO, everyone working together to make things better.

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I checked out your WEB site and it is outstanding. Keep up the great work. Kum Nick ( PA)

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You have such a heart warming webpage about your grandmother. I am in the process of researching for my book on The Apron and the research led me to your website. I'm interested in the woolen apron you have saved these many years. Research tell me that the aprons in that part of the world had a front and back to them. Its fasinating the history behind these aprons. I have over 2500 aprons in my collection and only three from Hungary, Russia and Turkey. None of which are wool and colorful. Do you have any historical information about the two sided aprons that you could give me. Thank you in advance for any help you might have. Peg Harris, THEAPRONMILL

Peggy: A collection of APRONS! And a forthcoming book---how wonderful! As Collections Manager (and Deputy Director) here at the Heinz History Center, I've been able to add a few aprons to our textile collection over the years and I've been thinking about doing a small exhibit---they really do help to tell Women's History. I can't help much with basic history but you may try to contact the Costume Society of America (try Google) to see what info they have. One of my favorite additions to our collection is a pair of aprons given at a wedding shower in the 60's when household duties began to melt the gender gap. They are embroidered "His" and "Hers!" Good luck with your publication.

Kathleen Wendell
Museum Division Deputy Director
Collections Manager
Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh History Center
1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-454-6340 KAWendell@hswp.org
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Predivan site!

Dushica Protic, Esq.

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In working on my notes about my dad's Cetnik experience I came upon your website...I am Col Paunovich (USAF) the daughter of Mihailo Paunovich...totally amazed at the awesome compilation of Serbian history on your site. HVALA! If I can help, let me know.

Col. E. Paunovich, USAF

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Just a personal hello. I remember your Dad and Teta Helen with much love and appreciation! Teta Helen was my first Sunday school teacher at St. Sava before the split. Cika Milan and Teta Helen planted the seed of love for being Serbian Orthodox. I am 41 now, but remember Cika Milan. He was always good to us children and taught us so much! Wonderful website! Mnogaja Ljeta!

I remember Cika Milan and Teta Helen working so hard at the monastery and always trying to educate not just the children, but everyone. I remember your dad starting the Observer and always researching. As a child I just knew I liked them A LOT! Now as an adult with a husband and child, I just think fondly of how much they sacrificed and worked for all of the Serbs. As an American Serb I appreciated the translations and telling of the history in both languages, but the English I was really greatful for. My Serbian is passable. My grammatics are quite rusty. Deda died 8 years ago and my Baba died 3 years ago. I was looking up some information and came across your wonderful website. Then seeing Cika Milan and Teta Helen's name...I tell you I'm even misty-eyed thinking of them and really the gratitude I owe them besides my own family in teaching me of my wonderful religion and heritage. I just remember them being so kind to everyone. My Baba loved talking to Teta Helen. I also remember Cika Milan telling people like it is and they deserved it too! ; )

I only hope I can be half the Sunday school teacher Teta Helen was for me. Cika Milan and Teta Helen, well when they taught or educated someone it just was like a light bulb coming on inside.

I was the first one in the family to be born here. My grandfather was a prisoner of war in Germany and met my Baba there. Deda was a soldier in the King's army. There were no church weddings right after WW II, no Orthodox churches in the area, just a civil ceremony. My Mom was born in Germany, they came to the U.S. in 1951. My Mom was about 5 years old when they came. When they came to Chicago, the other women in the Kolo Sestara and at church taught my Baba how to cook Serbian foods, Kolac, etc. She worked hard in the church along side my Deda over the many years. For some reason no one ever Christened my Baba. Fr. Djuro Krosnjar came to St. Sava in Libertyvllle, IL and then to New Gracanica where we held all the services in that quonset hut till the monastery was built. I also remember the trailers where the Observer was on the property. Fr. Djuro Christened my Baba into the Orthodox faith, his wife, Anne was my Baba's Kuma. Kuma Anne was my second Sunday school teacher. I had the best teachers, how blessed was I!!!

My family came here in 1951 on the ship "The Sturgess" (SP?) to NY. Then from NY they were on a bus to Chicago with only $25 the Serbian National Defense gave them (that had to be paid back) and one steamer trunk they came over with (which we still have). Baba and Deda found an apartment, payed back the $25, worked hard to raise my Mom and worked hard at every church they ever attended. What a truly "great generation" and what a great legacy they have left all of us of Serbian descent! No diamond, no ruby could ever compare to the treasures they have given!

Volim te, Mira Hausser, mhausser@comcast.net

Lake Villa, IL, 15 min. from New Gracanica. If you are ever in town, give a shout!

(I relayed Mira's message to Helen who is now 90 years old and living with her daughter, Connie, in Swarthmore, PA.. Helen said she received a special phone call from her nieces in Chicago on Christmas day which she absolutely loved, with Tashi and the others singing "Rozdestvo" in the background.

But nothing surpassed the beautiful tribute from Mira. Helen was so happy to hear all the nice things Mira took time to write. Helen told me all about Mira's hard-working, kind, and fiercely Serbian grandparents (even though her Baba was born in Germany). Helen said she was more Serbian than anyone else and could cook all Serbian foods like a champion, etc. Best of all, it seems she helped raise a grand granddaughter too, who is working hard to pass her knowledge onto her son.)

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Dear Mim - this is really the greatest. You do not know me, but I knew your Dad. My parents grew up in Johnstown and knew your Dad and Helen (I know, not your Mom). They used to visit us in California. I have pictures Milan took of us and friends. I have been to your site, great job. This is the type of thing our people really need and Serbian newcomers need to see what those of us whose families have been here awhile have been doing. The culture has changed a bit and it is nice to see things about ourselves in print.

Dawnell (Vuko) Lewis, Saratoga, CA

Jan. 8 update: Mim - way too cool. I did no know you have a Mamula in your family background - My Maternal Grandmother was a Mamula!!!! Well, we know that is like the "Smith" name in Lika. We are likely cousins removed...Great site. Really enjoyed it and will send it on to everyone.

Yes, and you know at my church in Saratoga one of our parishoner's mother was born in Gomerije (like my Mamula grandmother). I showed him a picture of her from the 1920's and he about freaked - said she looked like some of his Mother's relatives - now he's younger than I, but asked his Mom and we have found out we are like 3rd or 4th cousins!

Because my Grandmother's parents were both Mamula -

My great-grandparents were Mile Mamula & Smilja Mamula. Mile's siblings were Nikola & Simo. Smilja's siblings were Avre, Mata, & Marija. Mile & Smilja had Dragica (my Baba), Marija, Nikola, Sophia, & Marija. and Mile & Smilja were both from Gomerije to our knowledge. What a trip! All the information I have is based upon memories and written by my Dad (George Vuko) in our family Bible.

++++++++
(Dawn was surprised to learn that the Mamulas on BOTH sides of my Mamula side were from the Gormije area too. My grandmother Andja Mamula married Nikola Mamula, so she became Andja Mamula Mamula, of Vrelo, Jasenak, Ogulin, near Gormije!)

Update: Jan.12, 2009

MILANA - YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING, . Thank you, I have found some info that my Dad did and we are likely remote cousins of some kind as he did note in his findings some Mamula's in Ogulin. I have sent this to some of my cousins and my brother for their info. I love your pages on your Grandmother's costume! Because we are from Johnstown our family lost just about everything in the infamous flood.

One of these days we need to meet. There are tons of Mamulas all around the US and in other places!
Dawnell

http://www.babamim.com/andja_mamula__her_folk_costume

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Dear Baba Mim!

Mir Bozji! Hristos se rodi!
Srecna i blagoslovena Nova 2009 godina !

It was, as always, a joy to hear from you. Congratulations and blessings on your new web site. It is obvious that you have put a substantial amount of love, research and effort into the same. It will, indeed, be a useful learning tool for most English-speaking Serbs.

As you do have a section on the Slava, years ago, I translated the Slava Service into English and even transcribed the English text of the music according to traditional Serbian annotation. Fr. John Vesic of our Diocese compiled the text for us. Please feel free to use the same, if you so choose.

Again, my gratitude and appreciation for your devotion to/and enthusiasm for all things Serbian and Orthodox!

Many blessings to you and yours in this New Year of Grace!

Ziveli! +Irinej (Bishop of Australia and New Zealand)

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Dear Milana,

I went to see your web site and only thing I can say is that it is really impressive and overwhelming. The amount of information on it is just amazing.

I've read your biography as well and if I could achieve in my life just a third of what you did, I'll be a very happy man.

I don't know if Arthur (Jibilian) has told you about the possibility of making the film about "Halyard Mission". My background is in filmaking and I hope I'll be able one day to make the film about it. I've heard the rumors that Hollywood is interested in making the feature film based on the new book(Forgotten 500). It's a great story and a big chance for Serbia and it's people to show the whole world our proud history. I've imagine the film to celebrate the friendship between two countries during the two World Wars, it would be wrong to attack and blame America for their recent actions. That approach wouldn't achieve anything, it will only destroy the film and the whole idea. On another hand, if Hollywood is to make the film, their focus will be at the American Pilots more than anything else.

Thanks again for your email and I wish you and your family Happy Christmas and New 2009.

Kind regards,
Dragan & Family, Australia (Card made for Arthur Jibilian, radio man with the OSS mission for Operation Halyard who, along with General Draza Mihailovich's Serbian people, helped save 513 American flyers!)

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Izvanredna strana.
Sve najbolje Vama i porodici.
Ljiljana Karadjordjevic

Readers might like this note:

Your Royal Highness, Ljiljana,

Thank you again for your kind words about the www.babamim.com website. The first time I wrote, I thought you were someone I met briefly from New York City who works very hard for the St. Sava Cathedral there. That night, your name was going through my mind, this time not focusing on your FIRST name, but on the last name. Karadjordjevic.... but it couldn't be, I thought to myself. Imagine my chagrin, that a Royal Princess visited my humble site. I am truly grateful.
Thank you again.

I also visited your website with the historical videos of King Alexander and Queen Marie. I am happy that you have them there for others to see.

I also see there is something about Parkinson's disease, but my Serbian is not very good..... However, I understand there is a Google site that can translate anything on any web page, so I will try translating. Here it is, check it out and see if it works on your site too. I intend to add it to my site if I can figure out how......
My friend, Dorothy Paunovich, has it on her St. Sava, Merrillville, Indiana site and said it is easy, so we'll see.

http://translate.google.com/translate_t#

God bless you and yours too in this New Year!
I have a funny story to tell you from my childhood.

Our original family name was Karajlovich. I thought someone just added an extra "a" at the beginning by mistake.
Therefore, our name should really be Kraljovich, which means "son of King." When I was in the 5th grade (1951), I told all my classmates that my father was the King's son, and that when we went back to Belgrade, I was going to be a Princess!
I truly convinced not only others, but myself with that tale at the time! I hope I brought a smile to your face with that one!

Milana Bizic

Draga Milana, morate da ucite srpski.
Strana Vam je zaista izuzetno lepa i informativna. Mnogo truda ste ulozili u nju.
Volela bih da mi napisete nesto vise o Vama.
Ja sam postavila Portal sa koga mozete uci u sve moje vaznije stranice.
Adresa je: http://www.princessemedia.org

Puno Vas pozdravljam
Srdacno Vasa
Ljiljana

Google Translation:

Dear Milana, You need to learn Serbian.
Your website is really very beautiful and informative. Much effort you have invested in it.
I'd like me to write more about you. I have set a Portal from which you can enter all of my important pages. E-mail address is:

http://www.princessemedia.org

Warmest greetings

Srdacno Vasa,

Ljiljana

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Aunt Mimi,

I just took a peek at your website and can't wait to go pick up by boys from their clubs at school so they can come home and look, learn, and enjoy with me! Thanks for including me in your emails. I really appreciate it! The closest Serbian Church to us is about 35 miles away towards Los Angeles. The boys and I were wishing everyone we know a Merry Christmas on the 7th and most of them thought we were crazy until we explained a little bit about why! I love the pictures (especially the one with Aunt Marty in it) of all the festivities you all are being blessed with enjoying! I have to go get the boys but I had to send a quick note with a thank you and an I love you! I can't wait to read about the hostess part of the website!

Love, Tressa (Zoroya Tillotson) Frutos, California

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What a wonderful website you have and you should be proud of what you have done. I'm amazed that you even have me listed with your prominent Serbians and thank you. I guess I should not make too big a deal out of it or you will remove me!!!!!!

I've told everyone about your website............. it really is great.
Good luck to you, it is wonderful to have made a new friend!
Knez Jakovac

Click here to learn more about Knez and hear his great music: http://www.knezjakovac.com/

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Hello Baba Mim! Thank you for you wonderful site--I'm part Serbian, but wasn't raised with much Serbian heritage, so your site is a blessing.

Would you be able to please translate the first 2 verses of the hymn to St. Sava, "Uskliknimo"? I'm having a very hard time finding anything in English. Thank you! Yvonne

ricandyvonne@att.net

FROM FR. MATEJA MATEJIC WE HAVE THIS TRANSLATION:

Let us sing devoutly to St. Sava, the holy Founder of Serbian churches and schools. Wherever is our Serbian Shepherd Sava, there are wreaths of glory.

O grateful Serbia, you are filled with love for your Shepherd Saint Sava. Bosnia and Hercegovina, St. Sava's patrimony, celebrate together with you, our Patron, Saint Sava.

O, beloved Serbia, the sister of the Holy Mount, cast your glances upon the courts of Saint Sava; there is the beginning of Serbian glory. O, Serbs, sing a threefold hymn to Saint Save, the wise Head of the Serbian church.

Welcome Srem, Bant and Backa, and you, Old Serbia! O, Fruska Gora, take good care of the relics of Prince Lazar. Montenegro, our dear sister, you are welcome too! Join us in celebration of our Patron, holy Father Sava.

Milesheva monastery is famous because of the relics of Saint Sava, who is honored by all the Serbs in the areas along both sides of the river Sava. Sinan Pasha set the fire which consumed the relics of Saint Sava, but failed to destroy the glory and memory of St. Sava.

For five centuries the Serbs suffered in slavery, but even then they honored the name of Saint Sava. O, Saint Sava, help us to live in unity! Hear the voice of your nation, your Serbian people.

And we, your Serbs on this side of the ocean, who are of Serbian origin and speak the Serbian language, honor you, O, Saint Sava, luminous glory of Serbian schools. O, what a wonderful celebration, O, Father of Svetosavlje.

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Odlican sajt , postavio sam vas link na mom sajtu. Pozdrav iz Cikaga,

Sve najbolje ,
Nebojsa Zivkovic
www.cikaskisrbi.com
www.chicagoserbs.info

*INTERNET PORTAL OF CHICAGO SERBS*
* *

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I loved your famous Serbs section. It was good to see some of my friends listed there. Thanks.

John Medan, San Jose, CA

john_medan@yahoo.com

(John is the Senior Project Manager at deCarta, of the Computer Software industry specializing in mapping and GPS solutions.)

He has 3 relatives who play in the popular Becari Orchestra out there! :-))

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Mim, WOW your site is truly fantastic! If only there were more of us Serbs as loving and determined as you!.....Your a Gem! Take Care!
Savo and Sue

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I was told of your web site which I checked today. Fine work.

If you are interested I can give you my information. I am the current president of the Serbian Unity Congress. I also formed a group American Serbian Women's Caucus that was responsible for the first conviction by the Hague Tribunal of Moslems and a Croat for war crimes against Serbs tied to the camp at Celebici. My professional background is International Project Finance. I live in Tiburon, California.

By the way are you familiar with what our US Embassy has done to honor Draza Mihailovic in Pranjani? Go to their web site and check it out. Its pretty wonderful.

Mirjana Samardzija, Serbian Unity Congress President

mirjanas@comcast.net

(Mirjana is a tireless worker for the Serbs, and I well remember how we worked to present a program where news reporter Peter Brock spoke at the downtown Pittsburgh event to a full house!)

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Mim,
YOU ARE AMAZING. I HAVE BEEN READING YOUR
ENCYCLOPEDIA SERBIANICA FOR TWO DAYS.
Do you do all the work on the site yourself?

Is this how you spend all your time? Larry D.

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Mim, I so wanted to go to the event on December 7th and I was planning on it, but I was in a wedding for a friend of mine the night before and I wasn't feeling well. I am sad that I missed it though but so happy that Jibby was honored.

It was such an honor to meet you and interview our four war heroes!! Something I will never forget. Also the Serbian people have been wonderful too!! I hope I can help in any way I can to put a movie together as well!! Please pass that along to our friends with EAA, and again I am so sorry I missed it.
Hugs,
Jen (Jennifer Boresz, formerly of WTOL)

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Dear "Baba Mim",
How are you? I am preparing New year celebration in our hotel. I wish you all the best! Say "Hi!" to "Kosovo Men's Choir" for me!

Danijela

(Danijela can be seen hanging out the train window with me on the Kosovo Men's Choir page while we were in this magnificent wooden village, high, high up in the mountains. She is the operator of the desk there and runs the computer at Mecavnik! Danijela and I were able to see the www.babamim.com page from there in the highest mountains of Serbia! The village was desgined by the famous film maker, Emir Kosturica. The train we took had a lot of WWII history!

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The website is very interesting and I will check it often.

It is always a good idea to be in contact with others, something that diaspora Serbs also see as beneficial. I live in Edmonton, Canada, at the northwest of our shared continent.

I'm hopeful that 2009 will be a very good year for all of us. As our Orthodox Christmas is a few days away I also wish to greet you with 'Hristos se Rodi'!

I hope we'll remain in contact from time to time.

best wishes,
Liz Milanovich

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Dear Baba Mim,

Thanks for your prompt reply as well as your update on the Congressional Award to Mr. Art Jibilian for his role in WWII Operation Halyard. Whereas his role was impressive, I think we as the Serbian-American Community need to engage Congress to also recognize another remarkable U.S. Veteran - our own Mr. George Vujnovich (93) who was the actual architect of the entire operation, as you know, and Mr. Jibilian's supervisor at the time.

I did learn that Mr. George Vujnovich had received an invite last week from a Veteran's group in Michigan to attend a ceremony in June 2009 honoring among others the roles of Operation Halyard veterans.

I had personally written to several Congress members suggesting that appropriate Congressional recognition be also bestowed upon Mr. Vujnovich. I believe Mr. Vujinovich and Mr. Jibilian are the last two surviving members of Operation Halyard. This story is quite inspirational for all of us and deserves to be told and profiled to even broader audiences. Mr. Vujnovich also deserves recognition for service to our country and our servicemen.

Thank you very much for your assistance.

Best Regards,
Nenad Milinkovic, New York

(I agree 100% we should acknowledge the great works of George Vuynovich, George Musulin and Bobby Marjanovich and I am working on this end to help make it happen. Any readers should too! George Vujnovich is our last surviving member of Operation Halyard! Time is running out.)

WOW! Fast action! From Milan Papich on Jan.22, 2009

Dear Fr. Nicholas:

I'm trying to communicate with the American Legion's Post 827, Division 18, "General Draza Michailovich" members.

Recently, a proposal is being initiated to have Congressional Recognition of brother George Vujnovich for his work in organizing the rescue of over 500 American aviators from behind enemy lines in WWII. Mr. Vujnovich is 93 and before time takes it's toll, many Serbians and their friends would like Mr. Vujnovich honored.

I can supply more information upon request and who to contact in Congressman Dan Burton's office. Can you alert your church's members and those in the American Legion post that we need their help.

Regards,
Micahael G. Papich, Escondido, CA

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Hi - just a quick note to say "Fantastic website" which I'll need to spend some time exploring. Takes me back down memory lane... Just found your site as a result of looking for some live Serbian music on the south side of Chicago this weekend after our own stroll down memory lane, boxing up my 50 years of "I'll get to it" - including a box full of 33's with Popo's, Sloboda, Stevan Hrstic, Marty Kapugi, etc. Have to run for now - take mom (85 on Sunday) to get her driver's licence renewed so she can take the ladies to church on Sunday. Will be in touch.
Warm regards & Ziveli!

Marianne (Marianne Maslikosa Templeton)

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Wonderful site, well done, informative, and from the Heart!
Bravo, Mim.
Pozdrav,
Branko

(We're all so proud of Branko Terzic's many, many achievements in the U.S.A. Energy sector!<-----)

More about Branko Terzic <--------)

No wonder why we're all so proud of him!

Want more?

He's also the Royal Adjutant since 1976 to Prince Aleksandar and Member of the Privy Council, and Delegate of HRH Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia in the USA! The Honorable Branko Terzic holds the distinguished medal GRAND CROSS ORDER of the CROWN OF JUGOSLAVIA!

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Mim, I devore everything I can from your site!

My father was an Air Force pilot in the 50's 60's and it is possible that he did not teach us our heritage (Serbian - Yugoslavian) because Yugoslavia was a communist country. I'm not certain of this but I think it factored in.

Also we never lived near a large population of Serbians so we were not exposed to religion or culture.

Most of what I've learned have been as an adult through reading and visiting my grandmothers home city before the war broke out.

Your site has been a Godsend to me in this research.

I wonder how many of us there are in the U.S. - cut off from our heritage under these circumstances and the diaspora of the Serbians in the U.S.

I also would love to see a study of how successful Serbian Americans have been - you know - I cannot think of a single instance of an unsuccessful Serbian in the U.S.

Your work is tremendously important in my opinion.

Thank you! John Haydukovich

(Mim's note: Every Serb I ever knew was smart too!)

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From Milena Aleksandrovic, pharmacy student in Belgrade who includes the www.babamim.com website on her Facebook account: "I am glad that I am honored to help in a small promotion of You website, and I can tell you only -> skidam kapu za sve sto radite ( we like to say that when we someone admire)."

++++++++++++Thank you, Milena! :-)----CCCC

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7/29/11

It's been a long time since I've added any testimonials, but so many nice comments have come in that I feel its important for others to know about. Let's start with Monique Farone, my new Facebook friend! (Monique's mom is the former Kristin Lukic!)

Greetings Baba Mim!
I have not had the privilege of meeting you in person, but I came across your website "Serbian History 101" and I just wanted to say how thankful I am for all of your efforts in putting the website together and for all of your work in the Serbian Orthodox community.

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments in my photo album from my recent travels to Serbia. It truly was a life changing experience - I am now, more than ever, extremely motivated to learn the language and learn more about my Serbian heritage. I am already eagerly planning my next visit. :)

God bless,
Monique

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Arthur ("Jibby") Jibilian with 512 flags behind him, each one representing an American airman saved by Draza Mihailovich & his Chetniks. Metcalf Field, Toledo, OH 6/15/2008

**********************

Mim, what a beautiful website! I shared it with Fr. Serge, Mimo, and my niece Jennifer in North Carolina.
What a woman! I'm proud to be your friend. Keep up your labors of love because we all benefit from them. Elaine M. (Galveston, TX)

I extend sincere congrats for a most informative and well-documented website. I would be delighted to provide additional items of interest for your archives, should you so desire. David V., (Wash., DC)

(You bet! This is how all of our young children will learn more about their wonderful Serbian/American heritage!)

POMAZE BOG!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, the apple does not fall far from the tree. Whenever I hear from you or see your picture and read your articles, I always think of your father and the times I was lucky enough to spend with him. I am forwarding your site to my sons Milan, Mateja & Mihailo (twins), as well as others, so they can recall the many stories that their +Deda told them about. They always listened in rapture. Especially about (1st Lt. Artillery) +Deda's time with + Lt.Col. Draza, before the war. Respectfully, Milenko, Chicago, IL

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This a beautiful web site, did you do all this yourself, if so I may hire you to do a website for my new business. I also wanted my dear friend Tom (Greek Orthodox) to visit your site, of particular interest, your Father publishing American Serbian Life magazine in the forties. Tom has a friend that is the publisher for Greek Life magazine. You’re the best! Love, Denn (Pgh PA)

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About going to Ypsilanti (see Draza page). I once lived there and went to school there! Also, congratulation on being named SNF Person of the year. We in Aliquippa are all proud of you. Nikola, Aliquippa, PA

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I am so glad that we have people.... ever vigilant, ever proud but most importantly ever faithful. Father Serge, Galveston, TX

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Thanks for sharing! You certainly lead a most exciting life these days. I passed this along. Joe, Sewickley, PA

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Your new links are outstanding. Truly professional. What truly great sources of information. I just can't get over how good they are. So glad you are bringing attention to our brothers and sisters via the Internet.
Please, please keep up the good work. George

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I love your website. That's one heck of a good job! The airplane ride was the icing on the cake! Marti, MD & FL

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I love your website! Just saw it today for the first time after Sam Subotich and Arthur sent an e-mail. Great job, and thank you for putting quaility information on the internet!
Aleksandra, Barrington, IL

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Have forwarded this to fellow Serbs far and near! Don O., Pittsburgh, PA

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THIS is beautifully done! You certainly are so talented and creative in all that you do!
Thank you for sharing this. I was so impressed with your
composition, content, the layout, the color, and the photos, especially of
the 4 children from Kansas City! You certainly wrote an extensive and thorough article on Draza. Your enthusiasm and literary contributions on Serbian History is a superb
addition to Mankind!

I just finished reviewing your slides taken at Shadeland ... I loved all of them especially ending with the Powell Family ...
what a remembrance for all of us who were in attendance ... thank you again! I know that your parents from up above have to be extremely proud of you and how you have carried the TORCH for Serbianism -- its history, its language, its orthodoxy, its literature, its culture including art, music,etc.

As a companion traveler, your "eye" to capture exciting photos with meaningful, substantive scripts are awesome for me to experience ... simply said: you continue to teach me on every trip enriching my mind, soul, and heart .... puna hvala my friend Mim ..With love and blessings, Dr. Natalie Pavlovic, Pittsburgh, PA

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History of the Aliquippa church is absolutely excellent. I only go back, in memory, to Fr. Tomich and the church in Logstown. What a wonderful trip down memory lane. One that will be frequently repeated. Thank you for bringing the historical past to our present day for many to enjoy. You are uniting Serbs. As the website expands, so will the unity of fellow Serbs. You were guided to do this Mim. Keep at it. It is just wonderful what one person can do. Especially one that is SUPERB! Your work will lead to a greater understanding of our people's courage, strength, and valuable contributions. I get shivers up my spine when I think about our people! May their faith propel them into the future filled with blessings from our Father in Heaven! I continue to promote this deserving website! George Vrgich, Monroeville, PA

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This is Savo Subotich from St. Clair Shores, Michigan. It was really nice to meet you at
Metcalf Field. See how we Serbs always will find
another Serb at an event. Your web site is
beautiful!!! We are ALL better off because of people
like you!

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Congratulations on a super, super website. You have labored many hours in compiling it, but we feel you considered it a labor of love. We can't think of anyone who would have done what you have. Zivela Mim na mnogaja Ljeta. George and Mickey M., Weirton, WV

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We can't begin to tell you how much we loved your website. It is a tremendous job well done and very interesting. How proud we are of you and your hard work. Thank you for keeping that wonderful Serb spirit alive and sharing our Serbian pride with the world.

Milan and Rosalyn Opacich
Schererville, IN 46375

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Love your new website.... How far we have come from our early Internet days. Bob F., Sewickley, PA

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From Dorothy Paunvovich, Schererville, IN

(Please be sure to visit this site not to read about me, but to see the wonderful things that are being done in Indiana with the Folk Dancers, Serb Fest coming up, Recipes and ways to make Strudel, etc! Grateful, MKB)

Wow! I love you website and have posted it on my blog. I wish we lived closer so we could share ideas for the museum and other projects. My son loves APPLE computers too and has converted so many friends. Here's the link: http://www.localbizblogs.com/stsav

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"BabaMim" has done an outstanding job on those pages about Jake Allex. And yes, we are very lucky to be Serbian! Sending info about George Fisher and Texas. Mimo M., Galveston.

(See Famous Serbs page)

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Great site! It's really a very informative website. I bookmarked it. I am originally from St. Sava's of Gary/Hobart/Merrillville, but have lived 9 years in Phoenix with my husband, Jovan and 2 children. I was checking Dorothy Paunovich's local bizblogs at my old St. Sava Merrillville site and came upon your website. I love that Draza stuff. My faher-in-law was a Chetnik, +Nikola , and I used to dance in the only Chetnik folkore group in the USA, Dinara. Denise Kangrga, Phoenix, Arizona

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I remembered the web address and the site is fantastic! You did an outstanding job! Rudlley Mrvos, Pittsburgh, PA

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Just to add to your info on the National Heritage awards given in Washington, DC annually, my uncle Adam N. Popovich was in the first group of "National Ethnic Treasures in the early 70's. He was also honored by the State of Illinois that same year for his contributions to the ethnic heritage of our state. Thought you would like to know. Excellent site. Your website is absolutely beautiful. The pictures and history are a fitting tribute to the wonderful colony of Aliquippa. It is always such a pleasure to visit. The SSF Festival this past Memorial Day was excellent and it was so heartwarming to see the entire community come together to help the choir..The food....well, let's just say that the girls from Detroit and Lansing loved it! Continued success with the site! Aliquippa is fortunate to have an in-house historian that also possesses great techo-skills!!
Martha Ostoich Tesich, IL

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You are wonderful! Thank you for all you have done and what you continue to do for our people. You have definitely inherited your father's flair for writing. I have always said when I leave this Earth, I want you to write the article for the SRBOBRAN. Morbid? I think not, just telling the truth! Anyway, thanks again for everything you do. My grandfather was a priest in Aliquippa once, but died in 1937 there. He was also in Lackawanna, Farrell, and Kansas City that I know of. Again, thank you for all those years of great articles and for your website. Stevo and Lana Baich

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This is a great website. You put a lot of work into it. I'll pass it along. See you at the wedding. JT, London, England.

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Holly, thanks for sharing this...and Milana and Jennifer (Boresz of WTOL), you don't know me, but I want to say thanks for getting this story (see Draza Mihailovich page!) out there. It made my day. I actually cried (joyful tears) listening to the video and seeing the global TV photos on the web site. Honor is the key word here. We Serbs have our honor, our fighting men have been honored, and we honor the Halyard men who never gave up the fight.

Patty Martinovich
Vancouver, BC, Canada (formerly of Chicago!)

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Our congratulations! You have contributed to the Serbian movement in so many ways. All Serbs are deeply indebted to you for your unwavering passion and commitment to all that is Serbian. May God send special Blessings to you on this historic occasion! All the best,
Roy C.

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I'll see you at Kennywood and give you a great congratu - latory HUG!!Love, Cissy R., NJ

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I would like to tell you that your web site is very good, no, it is excellent and that we are proud of you, especially Teta Nena! I stopped writing for a moment and went to your web site to see it again. I was fascinated that you found that old SRBOBRAN issue with St. Sava's Hymn in Serbian Cyrillic! Stojanka, Belgrade.

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Your special day gave me the perfect reason to commend you on the outstanding website. If each Serbian American would learn 50% of the information contained on it, one would be so aware of our heritage. I loved the version of "Kol Slaven." You were savvy with computers long before it was commonplace. Ziveli i mogaja ljeta! George & Deb S. P., Pittsburgh, PA

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I visited your D. Mihailovich & Operation Halyard page and saw the two cover pages of your father's magazine, Am. Serb Life. Our church has a copy of that magazine with Bishop Nikolai on the cover that we used for our 100th Anniversary ad booklet. Bishop Nikolai consecrated our new church on that day (1948). Our copy of the magazine is in bad shape, but we we used the article your father wrote about our church for our book. Our church in Steubenville is really named Visoki Decani and looks like the one in Kosovo (one part of it), however, we go by the name of Holy Resurrection. It's sad to read about what's happening to our churches and monasteries in Kosovo. Also enjoyed those diary entries written by Nick Lalich. I had to make copies and send to my sister, Ann. She took history in college and is so completely involved in Serbia's part, especially in the war that started in 1991. Everytime I talk to her, I get a history lesson, even going back to the Congress of Berlin. She connects past history to the present. We also want to congratulate you for being Person of the Year. We feel you deserve this honor and hope that "God grants you many, many more years!" Your articles in the SRBOBRAN are really informative and well-written.

Mary & Nick Drazich, Steubenville, OH

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Mim,
I just wanted to tell you that your website is wonderful and loaded with very interesting information. Thank you for taking the time to create such a site. Hope to see you next weekend in Aliquippa!

Valerie Backo
Owner & Marketing Solutions Consultant. Hermitage, PA
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9/9/08 Thanks, Mim! It (MORE @ DRAZA) looks wonderful! I've been soliciting our membership for Chetnik photos, and as I receive any that might be worth sharing, I will forward them to you. I will do another blog directing people to your great website either tonight or tomorrow, as well as feature your site in the "Featured Blog Posts" section on the right. Your site is remarkable, and I learn something every time I visit. We have a meeting for our cultural committee tonight, so I'll have to get busy preparing..........Thanks again.......My son thinks you're so cool because he is an absolute die-hard Mac fan-there are no other computers allowed in our house, his apartment (Oakland), or with any of his circle of friends. He has probably helped sell 30 Macs in the last 8 years. Localbizblogs.com is being developed on Macs in San Francisco/Oakland by my son and his 2 friends. Once you get a Mac, you never go back! Fondly,...............Dorothy

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Hi Baba Mim! Thank you for sharing your website address with me at the Aliquippa Choir banquet last weekend.(9/13/08) I started reading it and have to say that it's great to have all of this information in one place. I've learned a lot already, and I look forward to reading more. I also would like to thank you for a wonderful weekend. I had a great time - you were all such wonderful hosts.

Mirjana (Mira) Milinkovic, Branko Radicevich Choir, Chicago, IL

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Mimi,
The website is incredible. I enjoy looking at it. I am sending it on to my
mother-in-law.....I'm sorry for not having done this before.

Take care.
Jennifer Pittsburgh, PA

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Dear Baba Mim,
Good to see you another day in Aliquippa! Here is where you can find a book on Rudjer Boskovic.
Rade, President Helios Publishing

http://helios-scholar.com/page4.html

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I will never forget our (Kosovo Men's Choir to Serbia) trip and YOU! If every Serb had 1/8 of Serbian Heritage and Orthodoxy in them as YOU have, what a place it would be! I visit your site when I can, with working three days a week, taking care of Dad and our precious Grandson Anthony, my time is divided. Have a wonderful day!

Much love,
Mary Ann Rusnov, Ohio

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Very impressive website! See you at the Midland Choir Concert. Starts 4:00 PM at the Club on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008. Dinner and Dance follow.

Paula Esapovich, Midland, PA

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Hello, I have checked out your web site on several occasions as it truly gives historic perspective and has the warmth not contained in the books. Congratulations on your accomplishment. Take care. Your web site is wonderful. It's fantastic. The Butte part on the "Interesting Tidbits" page is especially good.

Sam, CA

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Your website is very interesting and inspirative. You can also find a lot of material on my website and you have my permission to use material you find interesting. www.antikvame-knige.com

Pozdrav! Filip Tomasevic, Belgrade.

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Dear Mim,
I enjoyed my tour around your website – you are quite the accomplished woman! I am looking forward to meeting you and planning how we can work together. Alexis S. Macklin, Director of the Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh, PA

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I just stumbled upon your site researching info for our annual Phoenix SerbFest commemorative book. What a wonderful site! Could I use some of your info? Thanks, Mary Ivanovic Goulian, Arizona. ++++++++++++++++++

First let me say what a fabulous job you have done in conveying what it means to be an American Serb! Bravo! I have added a link to
your website on SerbBlog!

Here's another name for your list, another Serb-American who just came to mind -- Donald Bellisario Sr., who produced Magnum PI, JAG and now NCIS. His mother was Serbian and his father was Italian. I read about Bellasario in an article on Sasha Alexander when she was on NCIS, saying that they were "both half-Serb and half-Italian". And one more:

Denise Hale, born in Belgrade and has been a paragon of San Francisco and international society for over 40 years. Denise Hale has played a prominent role as a great supporter of cultural and charitable organizations, both in San Francisco and around the world. (She donated an Ambulance to Princess Katerina's Lifeline Fund that has her grandparents' names on the sides as it travels to help those in need throughout Belgrade.)

(see SF Examiner article above.)

Formerly married to film director Vincent Minnelli, she later married Department Store scion Prentis Cobb Hale. Twenty years later, in the early 1990's, bothered by the fact that she and Mr. Hale had only had time for a civil ceremony, she and Prentis Cobb Hale reaffirmed their vows in a lavish wedding in St. John's Serbian Orthodox Church in San Francisco, complete with a tamburitza band and attended by international high society. They remained married until Mr. Cobb's death a decade ago, and Denise Hale has continued her role as a prominent member of San Francisco's genteel social set. All the best!

Melana Pejakovich, CA

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Unbelievable website. My father was a Chetnik who died in 1995. He spent a lot of time trying to get the truth out about the heorism of Draza Mihailovich.

Evica Brnilovich, Margate

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Great website, Mim, and great story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Thought you'd like to know our event on Dec. 5 at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orhtodox Church (Chicago) keeps getting bigger and bigger and is turning into a WWII Memorial!

Besides Greg Freeman, author of THE FORGOTTEN 500, we will also have a few of the airmen at the affair, including Clare Musgrave, although his health is a challenge. Clare wants to address the assembly. He is 89.5 years old and told Doug that the only reason he is alive is because of the courage and heroism of the Serbian people and Chetnik forces. His enthusiasm and memory of the rescue are unabated. He said that he would train from St. Joe to Chicago and that he would like for one of us to give him a ride to the church!

Eli Kosanovich and Doug Palandech, Chicago, IL

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Greg, Deenie & Mila, 2009

Draga Mim,

I wasn’t sure if you would even remember me (Harry Suzich’s son from just across Beaver Grade Road, now living in Phoenix). I guess it’s been well over twenty years since I last saw you at Kennywood. I’ve been meaning to email you for a long time, to express my appreciation for EVERYTHING you have done and continue to do in the promotion, preservation and defense of Srpstvo. Let me first congratulate you on your SNF award this past year – if anyone was truly deserving of this, it’s you! If it were up to me, you’d have the Order of St. Sava as well. Your father is smiling down on you with tremendous pride, I’m sure.

I have the opportunity to peruse the internet quite a bit and I have naturally checked out Serb-related items of interest. It seems that everywhere I’ve been, I find that Mim Bizic has already been there! Web sites related to Mitchell Paige, Nick Lalich and the Halyard Mission stick out the most in my mind. I feel very honored to have had the opportunity to meet Nick Lalich in Tucson a year before he passed away. It turns out we were both born in the same hospital in Lorain, Ohio (a few years apart). What a gentleman he was. I sat there in total awe of him while we talked of Cica Draza and the military in general, but he was more interested in hearing about me.

Of course your web site is an incredible source of information and inspiration. And I look forward to receiving the Srbobran every month especially to read your contributions. I don’t know where or how you find the energy.

I know it may sound like I’m “piling it on” with the accolades, but they are sincerely heartfelt. My wife Loydeen (Lenka according to her baptismal record) is a Phoenix native, and her late mother’s side are Juncevici originally from near Boka Kotorska who settled in Bisbee, Arizona. Of course I had to name my daughter Mila after my baba. We are all members of the St. Stefan Nemanja Church in Bisbee, as well as the Serbian-American Club of Tucson. My work schedule has prevented me from attending services at St. Sava’s here in Phoenix, but that should hopefully change soon.

I suppose my feelings stem from the fact that throughout the conflict in the Balkans, as a member of the USAF stationed in Europe and a “witness” to many terrible things, as well as a Serbian-American who takes great pride in the contributions of our people to America throughout the years, for obvious reasons I was very saddened at the injustices. Talk about a nightmare situation. I got out of the AF in ’96, two years before Kosovo erupted, and was further disheartened by our foreign policy and actions there. Your efforts throughout this time in the defense of Serbs everywhere were really a beacon of hope for me personally. I guess having visited Sjenicak as a young man in 1980 and soaking up the feelings of heritage and roots while in the selo only magnifies it – you of course can relate to what I’m trying to convey.

OK, I’ll stop. Keep up the wonderful work. Srecan Bozic i Srecna Nova Godina, i puno hvala!

All the best to you and your family – I miss Moon Township!

Gliso Suzich, Arizona

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I am searching my Tata's family. I don't know where else to look. Can you help me? Thank you.
Donica Nikolic

(I will try to help with YOUR help too. If anyone has any information for Donica, this is one way we can all help each other. I asked Donica where her father was from and any other info she could supply.)

Hristos Se Rodi! My Tata left in spirit in 1993, He was born in Obilicevo, Novi Knezevac June 1912. Deda was Svetozar and Baba was Darinka (Manic').

I know he had a son and daughter before meeting my mother and coming to America in 1951. Their names are Natalitu and Danche (?) and their mother was Rastra.

My father was an only child, but never said anything about aunts or uncles. He hardly talked about family with us children. My mother joined my father in spirit in 2007.

I live in Sunbury, Ohio.Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

I want you to know how appreciative that I am for you responding and helping me to try and locate my tata's family. I don't know who I am (the Serbian part of me) on my tata's side. I want to know more about my Serbian side for so long, I feel like a part of me is missing. Your site is helping to find out more on the Serbian's people and traditions.

Thank you again
Donica Nikolic abrum2223@aol.com

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GREAT WORK !!! bravo!!
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SERBIA WONDERLAND - THAT'S THE LIFE - EXPERIENCE EMOTIONS

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Drago Sestro Milana:

Great Website! Don't know how I hadn't seen it before ! You’re a Historian Extra-ordinaire! I felt I've known you, also, a true Srbianka from reading the SRBOBRAN these many years.

I've been collecting Halyard Mission data for many years but can't come close to your collections. In around 1942-43 I read a comic book with the exploits of Draza and the Chetniks but have never been able to find that book.

I moved to Escondido in 1965 and took an active role in founding the St. Petka Church in San Marcos.

Have been trying to uncover more on the ancient Serbs. Conventional thinking is that Serbs migrated to the Balkans in the 5th Century. There has been reports that the Serbs are part of an ancient people who had two kingdoms in what is now India and migrated West and North for some unknown reason. I have a copy of a manuscript that the late writer wrote for his book before he passed away.

Croats believed they came from ancient Persia(Iran). This is the route that the ancient Serbs took. This period was over 3000 years ago. Some supposedly settled in the Balkans and the younger 5th century
Serbs met the older ones. There is some interesting discoveries in this area that I'd like to share at a later date. India had a highly developed
civilization many thousands of years ago comparable to those in ancient Iraq.
Michael Papich, Escondido, CA

Mike is a retired aerospace electrical engineer, and is the author of those great stories in SERB WORLD magazine about the Serbian Chicken Ranchers in North San Diego County. Mike was born in Windsor, Ontario, and remembers being a musical student of the late Pio Popov. "Reflecting back, I think that extra sugar from all the kolaci that my late mother , the extra-ordinary cook-baker, made me hyper and restless."

Mike has a desire to start an essay contest for youngsters under the age of 17 to write about OPERATION HALYARD for the SRBOBRAN. Welcome! We need great people like this who care about our future!

More from Mike:

Spent a few more hours on your web site last night. You're GREAT! Few comments:

a) Didn't see Einstein's wife, Mileva Maric +, listed as the notable. I believe there was an article in the Srbobran some years back. I have a clipping(my snips at work) and also have a VCR on her. Einstein was more than a cad on how he treated her and the kids. The Russians claim that Maric's name was originally on the Nobel Prize for the Theory of Relativity! Also have some letters between Maric and others when she studied Physics. Also saw your refr. to the "other Mileva" when you attended a wedding.

(Big website on Mileva Maric Einstein on the TESLA site. Check it out here.)

http://www.teslasociety.com/mileva_einstein.htm

b) Didn't see any reference to Nicholas Chuprija(SP?) as head of the General Dynamics Corp. Believe there was a write-up some years back in the Srbobran and refr. to the lodge his father belonged to. May have the article in my files(Snip).

c) On the web site, saw a spelling mistake regarding Vojvoda Momcilo R. Djujic's + name. There is no "r" in his surname.

d) Your SRBOBRAN article on the coverage/events in Ohio regarding the Halyard Mission was super.

Thank you, Mike. This is what it takes. All of us working to make it the best it can be!

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Milana,

You have a great website and an amazing credentials. I am so impressed with your work and effort to keep your Serbian heritage alive and spread the word about Serbs and their history.

My opinion is that you don't need to have a Cyrillic page. You can always link to some other pages if they want to go to some related pages with a Cyrillic script.

I don't trust the machine translators - they do very bad job, especially with Serbian and other Slavic languages. Serbian is too complicated for computers to tackle it right. I'll link your site to mine, so we can get more traffic and I'd appreciate it if you can do the same. I have two sites: one for translation services for all Slavic languages: www.lztranslation.com and one dedicated just for teaching Serbian online: www.studyserbian.com/proba

(that one is still in the development stage, but it is running and already has lots of language material).

Best regards,
Larisa
Larisa Zlatic, Ph.D. in Linguistics
LARISA ZLATIC LANGUAGE SERVICES
larisaz@lztranslation.com
http://www.lztranslation.com
tel: (512) 626-3854 fax: (512) 338-9384

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Milana,

Thank you so much for the kind words. Thank you for all the hard work you did. It is all worth it!

Best of luck and hava a Happy Holiday!

Senator Teresa Fedor

(Ohio State Senator, 11th District, who presented Arthur Jibilian the flag of the state of Ohio on December 7, 2008, recognizing also the contributions of the Serbian people during Operation Halyard.)

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Dear Mim, Thank you for your help. We finished almost everything on page No 4 of the site of Tesla Memorial Society of New York.

www.teslasociety.com

Your video is great. Could you write something for Srbobran about the event, which is so important. Your lecture was outstanding, you are such important person for Serbia.

God bless You. Best Regards from

Dr. Ljubo Vujovic, Secretary General Tesla Memorial Society of New York
Take a look on Numbers 2,3,and 4 of our website.

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Looks great. Nice work!

Gregory A. Freeman, author

THE FORGOTTEN 500

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I had a chance to look at your website and I am truly impressed with
how well the information is organized, as well as with the depth of
your knowledge on the subject of Serbian history.

Currently, I am getting ready to go to Belgrade. I am leaving on the
4th of January. This will be the first time that I will visit "moj
grad" in 17 years. I am very excitited and a little overwhelmed...

I will spend Serbian Christmas and New Year in Belgrade with friends
and relatives. Later I will visit my family in Zagreb and on the
island of Brac. On the way back to Belgrade I will go through Bosnia
and make a stop in Zenica where I was bourn and lived till I was four
years old.

This will conclude my much awaited tour of the Motherland which in my
case spans all over the ex-Yugoslav territory...

I hope that upon my return I will get a chance to meet you in person.

Mir Boziji, Voistinu se Rodi!
SRETNA NOVA GODINA!

Dubravka Bencic

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Srpski (Serbian) PENTAGON:

This email was sent by so many people to me, I know it made them happy, so I hope it brings a smile to you all too!

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Mim,

How the heck are you? It's been a long time at least 40 some years! Your website is great. Send me more contact info and I will give you a call.

Bob Conway.

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Hello Milana! Great website! Thought your readers would be interested in knowing I'll be guest starring on the USA network series PSYCH airing tomorrow night, Friday 1/23 at 10:00pm EST/9:00pm CST. The episode is called "Earth, Wind, and ...Wait for it" and it will be re-airing throughout the week in case you miss it on Friday.

Additionally, starting on Saturday, you can watch the episode online at

http://www.usanetwork.com/series/psych/video/fullep/

Wow. Talk about shameless promotion. In any case, I hope you are all having a wonderful new year and that our paths cross again soon!

Much Love,
Milena Govich

P.S. Be on the lookout for another one of these little reminders later this
spring when the infamous "Candy" returns to RESCUE ME!

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From Srdjan Ridanovič in Novi Sad, Serbia:

Himna Buže pravde sa ploče Baba Anđe je predivna. To je pravi dragulj. Hvala Vam puno što ste je prveli u digitalni oblik i na taj način je ovekovečili.
Veliki pozdrav iz Novog Sada.

After I found our national anthem „Bože Pravde“ from old album of your Anđa Mamula, and after I wrote a letter, I continued to search your web site and I stumbled on some beautiful songs like „Niko nema što Srbin Imade“, „Oj Đurđev danak“, „Što se bore misli moje“, ...

All those songs are jewels („dragulji“) of our culture, because they represent true emotions of people living long way from their home land. I also enjoyed listening to that old same songs that our ancestors listen long time ago.

It would be very nice if you could place all the songs from your website on one page and invite people with old records to place them too and share it with the world.

I was born in Zrenjanin, in Banat, but now I live and work in Novi Sad. My grad grad grandfather Živa left to America from the village of Srpska Crnja with his three daughters and their husbands after WW I. They went to city of Detroit. I lost all contacts with them over the time. I am very sorry about it, and that is a why your site thrilled me so.

Yesterday was a big day in Serbia. (5/21/09) America’s vice president was in Belgrade. All traffic in all main streets was stopped. All parked cars were removed along the way with the all containers. Yesterday Belgrade was paralyzed. But the new page of Serbia Americas relations was opened!

Thanks, Srdjan!

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...just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your web site! Interesting and lots of fun to read.

Mira
Marilyn Popovich

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We appreciate help from our readers!

This is traditional costume of Vrlika [Dalmatia] and surrounding area. The men would wear this when they were guarding Christ's tomb and they are called "Grobari."

Thank you,
Petar Katic /Christina Katic

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Look at this! A REAL Jugovic!

6/1/09

Thank you for providing such a wonderful site. Kindest regards. Respectfully,
Matthew Jugovic
Lubbock Texas

6/2/09

Milana, Greetings.
Thank you again for hosting such a great site for our history. Yes, Milana, my email says matthewy@, that's because when the grand folks came to America back in the late 1800s they wanted to make sure the name was pronounced right by non Balkans, hence the Y in Matthew Yugovich, my ancestral name is Mate Jugovich..
I was just over in the Adriatic and had a great time touring all the beautiful places along the coast as well as the cathedrals at Kosovo.... Some of the Priests there helped my brother and me trace our family back to around 1340s.

I was born in Texas and raised a Texan complete with west Texas culture, but my Dad always told me we had some very important ancestors..I never really thought about it or researched it until I got older. The hospitality and warmth that I felt as a guest of the church was something I didn't expect...I have never been treated with that much respect in my life...old men hugged me and kissed me, some of the older women would cry as they clutched my hand.... even the Priests acted honored, and quite frankly, I was humbled for knowing little of our history and culture.

The visit home was the most wonderful experience of my life.

June 3, 2009

I have photos of our visits there, on the last visit, the priests unbelievably let us take a few digital pictures of the frescos and art in the church. They also let us photograph the very old family registry archives held at the church.

(When I learned about Matt being so successful, he humbly wrote back:)

Ma'am, I work very hard to fill my father's expectations and honor my name and country, but sweet Baba Mim, I'm not famous, my ancient ancestors may have been, but I'm just a hard workin' Texan following in some mighty big footsteps...

I'm very pleased with you and your work and dedication.

As I said, a REAL Jugovic!

WOW!!!!

<----Jugovic Village Sign

2 Brothers Jugovich

Hoping to buy & refurbish this ski resort just outside of Sarajevo in Chinitsa, Bosna. They recently purchased a 5-star resort on the sovereign island of San Lucia!

Read about Matt's sons, John and Tommy Yugovich here<---

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Serbian History 101
PA
United States
m.bizic@comcast.net