President Milanović tells Croatians in New Orleans: Keep nurturing your heritage
“Be dedicated to your community, make use of this building, which was built thanks to the sacrifices of many, and I wish that it serves many more in the future. Continue cherishing your culture and your roots, remain what you are”, the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović told Croatian emigrants who gathered on Saturday for the official opening of the Croatian Cultural Center in Belle Chasse near New Orleans, State of Louisiana.
The host of the President of the Republic and his spouse Sanja Musić Milanović was the Croatian American Society, which stood behind the construction of the new Croatian Cultural Center, financially supported by many distinguished members of the Croatian community of Louisiana. Society President Anthony Cibilich welcomed President Milanović on behalf of the Society. After socializing and talking with the guests, President Milanović stated that “he will cherish all his life” the time he spent with the Croatians of Belle Chasse.
“As a politician I visited just about all the places where Croatians have settled throughout the world – New Zealand, Australia, Chile, the Pacific – but this place is marvellous. There are good and special people everywhere, hardworking, of a similar background. The reason why your ancestors came here was a search for happiness, make a better life, make money. To be better, work, climb the social ladder is legitimate and should be more embedded in our people and our culture. To spend less time looking at each other’s past, work harder, be responsible and devoted to the family and the community”, President Milanović stated.
During the ceremony, the President of the Republic presented certificates of Croatian citizenship to the honorary consul of the Republic of Croatia in New Orleans, James Owen Coleman, his wife Leah Monique Coleman, and a prominent member of the Croatian American Society, Anita Farac Cognevic. Also in attendance at the ceremony was the Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, Billy Nungesser.
New Orleans was the center of the first Croatian settlers from southern Dalmatia and Pelješac peninsula, especially from the village of Duba, in the early 20th century. This American city and outskirts is home to a large Croatian community, which expressed its connection to the Homeland with the construction of the $5.2 million facility, which began in December 2021 and was completed this August.
The Croatian American Society was founded in 1991 to lend support to Croatia after declaring independence. After Croatia became an independent state, the Society focussed on preserving the Croatian culture and traditions. The Croatian American Society is not just a center that assembles New Orleans Croatians, but one of the most important bearers of Croatian national identity in Louisiana through its daily activities. The Society’s membership is of about five hundred people.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Ana Marija Katić