Whereas, since the 1880s, tens of thousands of Macedonians have immigrated to the United States seeking civil liberties, human rights, religious freedom, economic opportunity, and security in response to the 1903 Ilinden Uprising against the Ottoman Empire, the 1912–1913 Balkan Wars, World War I and World War II, the 1946–1949 Greek Civil War, and the communist policies of Yugoslavia; Whereas these Macedonian American immigrants have settled across the United States, contributing to their communities in innumerable ways as loyal and patriotic citizens; Whereas there are an estimated 500,000 individuals of Macedonian heritage living in the United States, with sizeable communities in the States of Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California; Whereas the Macedonian American community in the United States is a vibrant community that is embedded within the mosaic of the United States, partaking in all walks of life, business, medicine, law, technology, civic engagement, government, the military, education, the arts, culinary world, athletics, and more; Whereas Macedonian American entrepreneurs have exhibited resilience, determination, and a commitment to hard work by overcoming challenges to achieve business success and contribute to the foundation of commerce in the United States; Whereas Macedonian American athletes have achieved remarkable success in various sporting disciplines and contributed to the rich tapestry of the sporting tradition in the United States by winning medals at the Olympic Games, winning league championships, and owning sports teams; Whereas Macedonian American artists have demonstrated exceptional skill in various art forms, including the visual arts, literature, music, dance, theater, film, and photography, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic tradition of the United States