The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is pleased to announce that renowned Macedonian linguist and scholar Dr. Victor A. Friedman will be attending the 3rd Annual UMD Global Conference, which will celebrate Macedonia's 20th Anniversary of Independence on June 23-25, 2011 at the J.W. Marriott in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Friedman will receive UMD's Macedonia Friendship Award during the Conference. 

The UMD Macedonia Friendship Award is given to individuals who have been long-standing friends of Macedonia and the global Macedonian community.  

Ever since Dr. Friedman visited Macedonia for the first time in 1971, he has worked tirelessly to bring awareness about Macedonia's rich heritage and culture.  During the last forty years, he has brought the study of the Macedonian language to an entirely new level worldwide.  The publication of Dr. Friedman's book in 1977, being the first book published in the United States in modern Macedonian, has been used as a basis for future publications on the Macedonian language worldwide.  The North American-Macedonian Conference on Macedonian Studies, which he founded and UMD was proud to sponsor the 7th at the University of Utah in 2009, has advanced the Macedonian language, heritage, and challenges throughout history on an academic level.  As a result of Dr. Friedman's educational efforts at the University of Chicago, hundreds of students of the Macedonian language have gone on to become informal Ambassadors for Macedonia.   

Dr. Friedman's dedication and passion in preserving and promoting Macedonian history, identity, and language during the last forty years has left a deep mark on the entire Macedonian nation and global Macedonian community. 

Click HERE to read Dr. Friedman's biography.

Watch an interview with Dr. Friedman, by clicking HERE.  Click HERE to read an exclusive interview with Dr. Friedman in Balkanalysis. 

Are you registered for the 3rd Annual UMD Global Conference?  If not, Register TODAY! 

Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Dr. Friedman and other friends of Macedonia as we celebrate together the 20th Anniversary of Macedonia's Independence!  Bring your entire family and tell all your friends - this is a time to be proud and celebrate Macedonia!   

Make your reservations at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, which is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. by clicking HERE.  Please mention UMD Global Conference to book your single or double occupancy room per night for $189. 

The work of UMD is more crucial than ever.  Join us in Washington, D.C. and connect with Macedonians and friends of Macedonia from around the world.  To learn more about the conference, please visit http://www.UMDGlobalConference.org

Interested in becoming a sponsor?  Click HERE to learn more.

Advertise in the 20th Anniversary of Macedonia's Independence Commemorative Journal.  Click HERE for more information. 

Watch the Conference Promo Video by clicking HERE! and please spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, your Blog, LinkedIn, etc... and e-mail all your family and friends!  Thank you!