Exposition of emigrants fighting in the U.S. Army from the territory of Slovakia

The life of our compatriots – American Slovaks and their descendants in the USA took many forms. From involvement in compatriot organisations, church choirs or sports clubs to service in the US army. “Uncle Sam” as the national personification of the United States of America has lured thousands of our compatriots.

I want you for U.S. Army : nearest recruiting station / James Montgomery Flagg. 1917. Library of Congress

We find traces of American Slovaks in almost all conflicts fought by the US Army, starting with the American Civil War (1861 – 1865). We also see their traces in the Spanish-American War (1898). Perhaps the most distinctive mark they left was in both World Wars, where tens of thousands served, several thousand of whom gave their lives for their new homeland. Hundreds or thousands of American Slovaks fought in Korea (1950-1953) or Vietnam (1964-1975). Thus, Slovaks in the American army have a 160-year tradition.

A statue of the Mother of God built to commemorate the soldiers who died in the Second World War. Franciscan Slovak Monastery of the Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows in Valparaiso, Ind. USA

The service of American Slovaks in the U.S. Army is one of the little-known places in our or American history. That is why I am very happy that we were successful with the project “Reconstruction of the building of the Museum of Emigration for the purpose of creating the Exposition of American Slovaks fighting in the US Army”. The project will create historic replicas of the original doors and windows at the Museum’s headquarters, the National Historic Landmark Folk House in Ťahyně. Due to the current epidemiological situation, as well as the need for further renovation of the Museum building, we have decided that the Exposition will be in virtual form for the time being. Thus, on these pages we will chart the service of American Slovaks in the U.S. Army. We will create an online database of them, which will be my personal thank you to these heroes!

Honor their memory!

A memorial to American soldiers serving in the U.S. Army. “American Slovak Society Veterans Memorial”. Bradenville, PA, USA

Realized with financial support of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic within the framework of the subsidy programme.  

The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of

Doc. PhDr. Martin Javor, PhD.