For three days, April 17-18-19, in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, nine members of the BB staff met with the Burgenland Delegation (Burgenland Government, Burgenländische Gemeinschaft). The delegation included our own Klaus Gerger and they received a standing ovation. There were three festive evenings that included local BG members and much good ethnic food and music. New BB president Tom Steichen, on the occasion of the first meeting (Tuesday), greeted the delegation in the name of all 1400 BB members.
BB Lehigh Valley Editor Bob Strauch did a masterful job as master of ceremonies. His special musical presentation Thursday night at the Coplay Saengerbund was a superb rendition of ethnic folk music. He was able to direct his choral group, accompany them on the button box accordion and do it without musical scores. Many felt that it was the highlight of the Austrian Delegation trip, which again strengthened ties with the Heimat. Bob’s humorous asides in German and Croatian, as well as English, evoked much laughter.
The assistance of vice-governor Franz Steindl and BG president Walter Dujmovits in ethnic song and music was most enjoyable. The vice-governor plays a mean trumpet and Walter Dujmovits is not unfamiliar with the button box accordion.  Steindl was made a deputy sheriff of Lehigh County but was cautioned to make no arrests (at least not until he was back home.) The delegation all received sheriffs’ hats and numerous other gifts.
Senator Verena Dunst did an outstanding job in bringing a message from Burgenland Governor Hans Niesel and had many good things to say about the BB and the BG.She mentioned that as a child she had few relatives- they had all gone to America.
As BB founder and outgoing president I was recognized on two of the evenings, delivered a BB message and received a special BG scroll and other gifts from the delegation. Many area BB members were in attendance at one or more of the events. Gifts and proclamations were exchanged and many of the local BG & BB representatives were honored with special recognition. Our everlasting thanks to Anna Kresh and Bob Strauch for arranging the BB participation in this historic event and to Vice-governor Steindl, Dr. Dujmovits and the rest of the delegation for initiating this wonderful link to the Heimat.
On the last day, my wife Molly and I waited for our plane to Washington, DC at ABE Airport. The delegation were also waiting for their plane to Chicago. We again shared memories of this great visit and many of us had eyes full of moisture. May we all meet again soon. Auf Wiedersehen.

Gerry Berghold
Burgenland Bunch Founder & Coordinator
Editor Burgenland Bunch News