Slovenian Representatives at the 2009 Norfolk International NATO Azalea Festival

The Norfolk International NATO Azalea Festival is a tradition that dates back to 1953; a year after the establishment of NATO Atlantic headquarters in Norfolk, VA. In that year, the citizens of the city decided to organize the Norfolk festival to greet the countries, which were represented at the headquarters. The festival aimed to help create new friendships, and the sharing and exchanging of culture, arts and other practices. The event was also aimed at highlighting the importance of the military's role in maintaining peace around the world, and to introduce the city of Norfolk to the world.

Since its first celebration to the present, the International NATO Azalea Festival has developed into an event that is visited by several thousand people. With NATO's expansion, there came an expansion of the countries now represented with offices in Norfolk. In 2009 the number of the alliance increased to twenty-eight member states. With this is mind, the Norfolk International NATO Azalea Festival is the region's longest continuous tradition of welcoming member states of NATO. It is also the only one of its kind in the United States.

The mission of the Festival is to recognize the role and impact of the international community. This organization is also a celebration of the coexistence of various cultures, while strengthening ties between the civilian population and military families. A special emphasis is devoted each year to one particular member state. In 2009 it was the Czech Republic, which presented its culture and art, and was represented by an Azalea Festival queen. 

Festival events go throughout an entire week. They aim to strengthen understanding between the population of Hampton Roads and the allied countries. In order to understand the importance of the Alliance's role, the festival organizes different educational, scientific and cultural events. Meetings during the festival are an opportunity to help forge new economic links between the city of Norfolk and other countries. Included among the most important events of the festival are: the coronation of the queen and princesses, a fashion show, an international Tatoo, the presentation of National floats and the NATO festival. The NATO festival introduces their nations cuisine and tourism.   

Slovenia was a part of the festival for the fourth time, which this year went from 27 April to 3 May.  Like in 2008 the Slovenian Armed Forces joined together with the fourteen members of the Slovenian community from Cleveland (OH). In the parade of Nations, Slovenia presented a kozolec and  Gorenjska ethnic costumes. The Slovenian Princess, was a student from Ohio State University named Maria Sedmak. She is from Cleveland, Ohio and this is her second year as a princess.  Walking in front of the float and perched on top were: Pavle and Marija Sedmak, Jan Kocbek, Sonja Kocbek, Matjaž Sedmak, Milan and Breda Ribič, Tine and Helena Ribič, Rok and Beth Ribič and Jovo Mejak; some singing and playing folk songs of Slovenia.  The children, Justina and Maja Lampic and Nicholas and Adam Ribic, made the presentation more heart-felt.

All Slovenians present were very pleased that the judges evaluating the floats from all twenty-eight nations proclaimed Slovenian's float as the best float; awarding us with the prized title "NATO Cup" winner.

Written by: Andrej Kocbek