Washington: Ambassador Đurić receives Tesla Spirit Award

On behalf of the Foundation, the Award was given to Ambassador Đurić by David Vuich, Chairman Emeritus and one of the seven engineers of Serbian origin who had participated in the Apollo Mission, a part of the NASA Space Programme.

“It is an honour to receive an award bearing the name of the greatest Serbian American scientist of all time, the man who lit the world, both literally and figuratively, and whose inventions changed the course of history for the benefit of the humanity as a whole. Paying homage to Nikola Tesla, we are paying homage to all Serbs and Americans, and to everything that our two countries and the Serbian and the American people can achieve together”, said Ambassador Đurić.

Handing the Award, Mr. Vuich explained that Ambassador Đurić was chosen to receive the prestigious accolade for his commitment to promoting the importance of the 140-year long history of diplomacy between the two countries, and his continuous efforts on finding new ways to improve the bilateral cooperation in the best interests of both Serbia and USA.

At the ceremony in the new building of the Embassy of Serbia, a statue of Nikola Tesla was presented, which had been built for the occasion by the American sculptor Stan Watts, and would be also exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and many other museums and universities throughout USA.

The Tesla Spirit Award is the highest medal awarded by Serbs in the United States, Americans and admirers of the most world-famous Serbian inventor, who comprise the Tesla Science Foundation from Philadelphia.

Guided by its Founder and President Nikola Lončar, this Foundation has, for almost two decades, organised conferences and symposia in Tesla’s honour, and various events presenting his life and work, thus raising awareness of his scientific achievements and preserving the memory of his invaluable contribution to the human society.