Dušan Hudec, independent Slovak filmmaker and his producer, Darina Zmržova, will be coming into Youngstown on May 16th to have a showing of the Final Mission film for us. We are so thrilled that they are stopping here between Washington D.C. and Chicago. This documentary film tells the story of American airmen shot down over Slovakia during WWII and taken in and hidden from the Germans by Slovak villagers. It is a story most people have never heard…neither here nor in Slovakia! It is especially appropriate since May 16th is also Armed Forces Day.

This will be a sort of “meet and greet” informal reception to introduce Mr. Hudec and Ms. Zmržova to the Youngstown area. We will have the free showing at the First Presbyterian Church at 201 Wick Avenue in downtown Youngstown, Ohio. There is also free parking there which is an added benefit. The event will begin at 12:00 pm at the church hall. The drive is directly off of Wick Avenue between the church and the red brick Masonic Temple and the entrance is at the back of the church so it is very easy access. There is also a fabulous 24 poster display that goes along with the film which was shown in Bratislava Square when the film premiered last August for the 70th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. After introducing our guests we will show the film and afterwards have time for questions. We will serve some light refreshments. This showing is open to the public complements of the American Slovak Cultural Association of the Mahoning Valley.

As the WWII generation passes into history it is so important to preserve these stories and we are so lucky to be able to thank Mr. Hudec and Ms. Zmržova for helping with this effort. Please let everyone know about this event…it’s not too often that Youngstown has the Ohio premier of a documentary like this and we want everyone to know about it!