The 62nd U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence S. Eagleburger to Keynote UMD GC2011 Luncheon and Receive UMD International Freedom Award....are you coming? 

The United Macedonian Diaspora ("UMD") Board of Directors are pleased to announce that the 62nd Secretary of State of the United States Lawrence S. Eagleburger also known as Lawrence of Macedonia will be the June 24th luncheon keynote speaker during 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.  Secretary Eagleburger will receive UMD's International Freedom Award. 

The UMD International Freedom Award is one of UMD's highest honors and the recipient of this Award is selected based on his impact, the record of public service, and the recipient's success in advancing universally accepted principles of justice, peace, democracy, individual freedom and economic opportunity. 

Over the past fifty years, Secretary Eagleburger has risen to become one of America's most recognized public servants, tirelessly working for peace and cooperation in the world at large and also, on behalf of Macedonia as well.  The Macedonian people recall that he was once fondly called "Lawrence of Macedonia" after his diligent efforts to assist our people after the 1963 Skopje earthquake.  Secretary Eagleburger has used his deep knowledge of Macedonia and the Balkan region, and his influence both in and out of government to advance peace and prosperity there as a leading American diplomat in ways that are above and beyond the call of duty.  Attached to the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Secretary Eagleburger responded to the 1963 Skopje earthquake with compassionate aid.  Macedonians are grateful for his assistance, that of the United States government and the American people during this terrible time.

Later, as U.S. Ambassador to Yugoslavia, through Secretary Eagleburger's able engagement, the two countries attained a high level of economic and cultural cooperation, which brought substantial benefits to Macedonia.  This cooperation laid the basis for much needed assistance to Macedonia after Yugoslavia dissolved.  It also facilitated economic aid and preferential treatment for Macedonian exports during a most difficult period of Macedonia's independence.

As President George H.W. Bush's main advisor on Yugoslavia during the challenging times when Yugoslavia dissolved, Eagleburger also became the United States' Secretary of State.  More recently he has unequivocally and publicly supported Macedonia's accession to NATO and spoken out forcefully to keep Macedonia's identity and territorial integrity in tact against any aggression from its neighbors.  Particularly noteworthy were his statements warning against territorial aggrandizement at Macedonia's expense during the decade leading to Kosovo's independence.  Macedonians recognize Secretary Eagleburger's noble advocacy on Macedonia's behalf, but they are especially cognizant of his support urging international recognition of Macedonia and for assistance when the country faced a refugee crisis. 

Click HERE to read a recent statement by Secretary Eagleburger on Macedonia.

Click HERE to read Secretary Eagleburger's biography.

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

Prices go up by $50 on May 1, 2011 (If you can't attend the entire conference, we have individual event pricing)

Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Secretary Eagleburger and other friends of Macedonia (click HERE to see who else is coming) 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!   

Click HERE for the program.

Make your reservations at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, which is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. by clicking HERE or call (506) 474-2009.  Please mention UMD Global Conference to book your single or double occupancy room per night for $189. 

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

BE PART OF HISTORY...Advertise in the 20th Anniversary of Macedonia's Independence Commemorative Journal for as little as $50.  Click HERE for more information. 

Can't attend the Global Conference?  Please consider donating in support of the Conference, by clicking HERE.  (make sure to click on Global Conference and we'll make sure your name is mentioned in the Journal).

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!