Georgian-American Heritage Day is a celebration of unity and hope

For the sixth year in a row, Georgian-American Heritage Day has brought people together under the banner of unity and mutual assistance. This unique holiday, established by Diana Bagrationi, President of the Bagrationi Foundation, together with Eric Adams, former President of Brooklyn, now Mayor of New York, has once again captured the hearts of the guests and given them hope for a better future.
Today, when the world is facing wars, diseases and social upheavals, this day becomes a symbol of unification, peace and humanity. The organizer of the event, music professor Diana Bagrationi, a woman leader, once again proved her dedication to peace and charity. The celebration, with the support of Manhattan President Mark Levin and former New York City Council member Ari Kagan, was held in Surrogate Court, a building that is one of the architectural gems of the city. Particular attention at the celebration was paid to the musical program. The legendary singer, poetess, composer, TV presenter, People's Artist of Georgia, holder of the Order of Honor Irma Sukhadze, who is remembered by an entire generation after her performance of the famous musical masterpiece "Orange Sun" in 1965, flew in from Georgia especially for the performance. The audience enjoyed the performances of talented performers, including Nutsa Shanshiashvili, Nini Shermadini, Nodiko Tatishvili, pianist and composer Irakli Sharadze, as well as actor, singer and director George Shalvashvili. Wonderful artists showed their works that evening! Amazing Georgian dances with American and Georgian flags were performed by Irina Khursurauli and Gocha Daushvili. This musical gift caused a wave of emotions and delight among those present. The culmination of the holiday was the song Stars by composer Roman Tskhiladze with lyrics by Maka Rozmadze. It says that every day stars appear, each of which should bring peace to the planet, but when people sin, it can go out, and the purpose of a star is to shine and not go out. We are called not to sin, so that the stars do not go out, there should be love, peace and mutual understanding in the world. All the artists asked Diana Bagrationi to perform the song Star with them, and it was a stunning finale to the musical program in Manhattan.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the awarding of talented representatives of the Georgian diaspora. Among them are doctors, musicians, businessmen, actors who have contributed to the popularization and preservation of Georgian culture in the United States. Mark Levin awarded Diana Bagrationi with an honorary certificate, noting her many years of charitable work, including support for children with cancer around the world.
On behalf of US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, the certificates were presented by Bagrationi Foundation President Diana Bagrationi. On behalf of the Mayor of New York, the certificates were presented by Dr. Sima Karetnaya, UN Human Rights Ambassador. On behalf of Senator Jessica Scarsella-Spanton, the certificates were presented by former City Council member Ari Kagan. Despite being busy, Assembly members Alec Brooke-Krasny and Mikhail Novakhov came to present the certificates in person.
As Bagrationi Fondation Director Anna Simakova noted, the event brought together people with different political and religious views, but all those present were united by a common goal – to support Georgian culture and help families with children battling cancer. Diana Bagrationi, a music professor and vocal coach, not only opens doors for talented people in America, but also continues her humanitarian mission by organizing charity concerts to raise funds for children’s treatment. She believes that even if one life is saved, her work will already be meaningful.
Among the guests of the event were talented people who make a huge contribution to the economy, medicine and culture of New York and the United States.
And what Georgian holiday would be complete without a generous feast? Guests were treated to Georgian delicacies, and Bagrationi champagne flowed like a river!
This day became a reminder that even in difficult times, unity and kindness can bring light and joy to people's lives. As Diana Bagrationi herself said: "The most important thing is for people to live in peace and not get sick, especially children." And this message became the main goal of the holiday, which once again gave everyone faith in goodness and the future.
Marina Lagunova