Speech #1030056909

Americans of Slovak descent have made important contributions to this Nation. And in the years sfnce Slovakia moved away from the former Soviet Union to the Independence it enjoys today. many SlovakAmericans have worked selflessly to improve the home of their ancestors. Immigrants from Slovakia began to arrive in the United States as early as the 18th century seeking religious. economic. and political freedom. The number of Slovaks immigrating to America increased substantially during the late 1800s when many found work in the coal mines and with the railroads where they received as little as $1.50 to $2 a day for their labor. Later generations of SlovakAmericans moved into a myriad of professions where they have distinguished themselves in business. politics. science. athletics. and the arts. Early Slovak immigrants identified themselves and their culture primarily in terms of their language and religion and in their distinct music. dances. and cuisine. The first generation continued to speak Slovak at home. in the workplace. in schools. and in places of worship. However. as SlovakAmericans have assimilated and become an essential part of the diverse American fabric. they have sacrificed some of their language and cultures.