On hand for the gala unveiling were Croatian Ambassador to the USA Joško Paro and General Consul in Washington Branka Pazin and from Zagreb Croatian Heritage Foundation director Marin Knezović and Mirjana Piskulić, head of the CHF department for cooperation with emigrant communities and the Croatian Fraternal Union in America.
Some two hundred dignitaries were on hand at the CFU of America home office on the 8th of April for the unveiling and dedication ceremony of a statue of retired CFU national president emeritus Bernard M. Luketich. To honour his exceptional contributions to the development of the CFU, the preservation and nurturing of Croatian cultural heritage, the dissemination and testimony of the truth about the Croatian people, especially during the period in which modern Croatia regained its independence, the CFU national administration at its spring session of 2014 decided to commission a bronze statue celebrating Luketich, to be installed in the CFU museum area.
The commission was awarded to an art (sculpting) firm from Pittsburgh, with the bronze cast done in Italy. The room housing the statue has been named the President’s Wing, also featuring many souvenirs, prizes and recognitions received by former CFU national presidents.
On hand for the gala unveiling were Croatian Ambassador to the USA Joško Paro and General Consul in Washington Branka Pazin and from Zagreb Croatian Heritage Foundation director Marin Knezović and Mirjana Piskulić, head of the CHF department for cooperation with emigrant communities and the Croatian Fraternal Union in America.
Closing a round of excellent speeches the gathered were also addressed by Bernard Luketich. He thanked the gathered and all CFU administrators for the great honour they have paid him and noted that the results of his work and activity in the CFU were the fruit of the unity and work of all CFU members. He expressed his hope that the CFU would continue to make progress and to be of benefit to its members and the Croatian people as a whole.
Text by: Franjo Bertović; Photos by: Ivan Begg
