Slovenian Union of America founder Marie Prisland by Joseph Valencic at Preseren Day event

A special cultural event was held on February 11, 2025 at St. Vitus Church in Cleveland as part of “Preseren Day.” The day was named for 19th-century Slovene poet France Prešeren who is considered the greatest Slovene classical poet and the inspiration for later Slovenian literature. In 1945, the anniversary of his death, called Prešeren Day, was declared as the Slovene cultural holiday. In 1989, his Zdravljica was declared the national anthem of Slovenia. The Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia, Suzana Češarek, hosted an evening to celebrate Slovenian culture. Joseph Valencic made a presentation on Marie Prisland, founder of the Slovenian Ladies Society later renamed to Slovenian Women Union and now Slovenian Union of America. He spoke of her challenges as a young immigrant person leaving her homeland and permanently settling in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Marie was the first woman national board officer of American Slovenian Catholic Union ( now KSKJLife), and establishing a national women's fraternal society to endear and encourage Slovenian traditions and culture while at the same time developing a great love of her citizenship and freedoms as an American citizen. She established the magazine "Zarja (The Dawn)," as the principal means of communication for members of SUA throughout the USA in numerous cities. Zarja today is published as a quarterly publication providing interesting articles of local branches as well as the many dimensions of Slovenian traditions and culture. https://www.clevelandpeople.com/groups/slovenian/2025/slovenian-literature.htm