More than 400 guests celebrated the Independence Day of the Republic of Croatia on June 26, 2021 in the Croatian centre of Fremantle in Western Australia, commemorating the historic decision of the Croatian Parliament to initiate the process of secession from other Yugoslav republics.
The celebration was attended by numerous guests: Consul of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Šangut, vlč. Nikola Čabraja, representatives of the Government and opposition of Western Australia, as well as representatives of local government. The hosts of the evening program were Ivana Marjanović and Raymond Pecotić who greeted those present with a warm welcome and introduced them to the evening’s program.
It was an opportunity for this Croatian community to remember with pride and gratitude the leadership of the first Croatian president Franjo Tudjman, as well as all Croatian war veterans and their families whose lives and victims were woven into the foundations of Croatian independence.
After the Australian and Croatian anthems and a minute of silence was held for all those who gave their lives for a free and independent Croatia, the Croatian Consul in Perth, Zoran Šangut, addressed the audience with a short speech on the importance of this date. Representatives of the government and the opposition were also given an opportunity to address those present.
Following grace a delicious dinner followed. The performance of young dancers (70 of them!) members of HFG “Zagreb” from Perth was eagerly awaited and they were greeted with applause and delighted all those present. A few tears were shed following their performance of “Moja Domovina” (“My Homeland”).
It was amazing to see how much these young Croatians have developed since their last performance. It was wonderful to see them singing, smiling and dancing whilst at the same time showing everyone how proud they were of their Croatian heritage. The music and entertainment continued well into the night. A big note of congratulations goes to the tireless teachers of HFG “Zagreb”, Zrinka Vlašić (president), Mirjana Worrad, Gordana Slišković and Anita Čudina for all their perseverance and sacrifice. And of course congratulations to all the dancers of the group and their parents.
A special mention also goes to the organizers of the evening, HFG “Zagreb” and the committee of the Croatian Centre headed by the young president Antony Sumich. Thank you to everyone who in any way contributed to the great success of this ceremony.
“These young people assure the survival of our Croatian identity and values in this part of the world and we are proud of them and the cultural treasure of our ancestors that they have imparted to us.”, said Frane Podrug on behalf of the Croatian centre of Fremantle.