In addition to marking 131 years of activities of the Croatian Fraternal Union (CFU) – the oldest and largest Croatian organization in the United States – they discussed the preservation of Croatian identity, joint projects and future program activities.
On September 3, CHF Director Zdeslav Milas, M.Sc., received representatives of Croats from North America – the National President of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, Edward W. Pazo, National Secretary/Treasurer, Bernadette Luketich-Sikaras, and President of the Board of Trustees, Daniel Kochis.
The occasion of this friendly meeting was, among other things, the celebration of the 131st anniversary of our oldest fraternal organization in North America, which is also the largest Croatian community outside the homeland. Also discussed was the rich history of relations between these two institutions and the importance of continuing cooperation.
Director Milas emphasized the invaluable role of the Croatian Fraternal Union in preserving the Croatian identity, as well as the excellent and successful relations that have lasted for more than seven decades. He particularly emphasized historical moments from the 1990s, when intensive lobbying and other activities of the Croatian Fraternal Union significantly contributed to Croatia’s recognition by the United States. The CFU remains the main bridge in relations between the two countries, highlighted Director Milas, adding that Croatia has not forgotten how much the Croatian Fraternal Union helped those in need during the Homeland War, and their charity activities continue to this day.
Edward W. Pazo and Bernadette Luketich-Sikaras recalled numerous events organized in cooperation with Matica, such as last year’s unique musical spectacle Tambura across Generations held in the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, which was attended by all generations for the first time in the history of the CFU tamburitza festivals. On that occasion, about 2,500 Croats from North America arrived in Croatia.
Exceptional individuals who have been at the helm of the CFU for generations, such as Bernadette Luketich-Sikaras’ father, Bernard M. Luketich, have held this institution at a very high organizational and business level. This is why, today, they can financially support and organize cultural events aimed at preserving Croatian heritage.
On behalf of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, the meeting was also attended by Ivana Dvorneković, Head of the Program Department, who last year led the project of the CFU musical spectacle in Zagreb, and Lucija Starčević, Head of the Culture Department, who closely cooperates with the members of the CFU on matters related to folklore.
The meeting concluded with the commitment that future cooperation between the Croatian Heritage Foundation and the Croatian Fraternal Union will continue with a multitude of new program activities in the near future.
Text: Jelena Badovinac Dimitrijević / Photo: Marijana Žeželj
