In the Croatian Catholic Mission of St. Anthony in Los Angeles, a ceremony was held on November 19 to commemorate the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Homeland War and the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja.
Renee Pea, the Consul General of the Republic of Croatia, delivered a speech emphasizing the special place Vukovar holds in the hearts of all Croatians as a hero city.
She expressed deep gratitude and reverence for all those who fought and sacrificed their lives for our Homeland.
Highlighting the importance of the culture of remembrance and the more recent Croatian history, Pea emphasized the need to pass on this knowledge to new Croatian citizens. Following her speech, a solemn oath ceremony welcomed 52 new Croatian citizens into the fold.
The event also featured the presentation of the “Eternal Thanks” project by the Spiritus platform, a digital application entering its second year. The initiative aims to digitize the life stories and memories of Croatian soldiers and civilians lost during the Homeland War.
Miryana Joksovic, a Croatian from Karlovac currently working as a manager in Silicon Valley, California, conducted the presentation. The event included a summary of the HRT documentary series “Her Side of the Story” by Borna Marinić, focusing on the brave women defenders of Vukovar and their wartime experiences.
A live video link from Vukovar connected the audience with Mirjana Semenić Rutko, a Homeland War veteran and physician. She shared her experiences and shed light on the less-known but crucial roles of women in the Homeland War. These women not only defended their homeland with weapons but also served as doctors, nurses, war correspondents, and more.
The event provided a poignant platform for remembering and honoring the sacrifices made during the Homeland War, bridging the gap between the past and present. The dedication of new citizens, the digitalization of war memories, and the acknowledgment of women’s roles underscored the importance of preserving and sharing Croatia’s history.
Through such initiatives, the spirit of remembrance remains alive and thriving, ensuring that the stories of heroism and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations.
Source : Croatia Week
