Nikola Tesla FBI Files - Page 64

RECOGNITION FOR TESLA

        At long last Serbians-American and Canadian-have acted to honor the memory and achievements of one of Serbia's greatest sons.

        For the world-wide Centennial celebration of Dr. Nikola Tesla's birth next year, Serbs on this Continent plan to erect a bust statue of the electrical genius to stand before the entrance of the Monastery at Libertyville, Ill.

        Steps looking towards that end were taken at the recent SNF convention following the reading of a leer by President Mile Radakovich from His Grace, Bishop Nicolai. As the universally-renowned churchman stated, erection of a suitable monument, by Serbians, would forever remind other Serbs of the honor and glory of Dr. Nikola Tesla. . . And that he was a SERBIAN, son of a SERBIAN ORTHODOX clergyman, born in the SERBIAN SELO of Smiljan in Lika.

        Further, His Grace urged that the undertaking be a joint one and representative of ALL the Serbian organizations, in the United States and Canada. He naturally looked to the SNF for leadership, and the greatest monetary contribution. But he also besought the help of the Serbian Nat'l Defense and the Jedinstvo beneficial society.

        The Convention voted $1000 for the project and a hand collection was taken up among the delegates and guests, kinsmen Miloš Konjevich of Joliet, Ill., giving $200. It is probable that the balance of the needed $3000 will be raised thru public good-will offerings and via cash gifts of the other two organizations mentioned.

        And after a suitable bust has been erected for Dr. Tesla, Bishop Nicolai suggested a similar-like monument honor the memory of Dr. Mihailo Pupin, also a world-renowned scientist, author and educator.

        This is a subject near and dear to all good Serbian hearts