Croatian Statehood Day: A Joyous Evening of Dance, Music, Football and Unity

ssfully refute similar attempts to vilify individuals of Croatian heritage in Australia. The fact that these authors used Mark Biondich as a reference, a ‘Canadian’ historian who has supposedly studied Croatian fascism and nationalism’ is someone many believe has a hatred for Croatians re�lected through his literature. His studies could only really be compiled from history interpreted by the communist regime of Yugoslavia. A regime that burned and destroyed Croatian archives. The story continues “But in Australia, such views can be even more pronounced.

In 2014, when Croatia’s centre-left prime minister Zoran Milanovic visited Australia, he was subject to a boycott from some local groups. He said he had been criticised as “Tito’s puppet”, even though he was never a communist party member”. This is a total downplay and very misleading because Milanović was actually boycotted by practically the entire Croatian community including clubs and churches and it is a well-known fact that he is an admirer of Josip Broz Tito and attends events in the former dictator’s honour. Although boycotted by the community, Milanović was invited to the Billich Gallery by famous Australian Croatian artist Charles Billich for the unveiling of a new painting. The painting that was unveiled was that of Yugoslav dictator Josip Broz Tito depicted as a blood thirsty murderous vampire. It was a blatant message to Milanović expressing Billich’s dismay with Milanović considering Billich witnessed the atrocities committed by Tito’s regime that imprisoned him as a young man.

To make myself clear, we as a Croatian community do not embrace fascism. We are opposed to fascism, Nazism, communism or whatever regime may compromise national sovereignty and individual freedoms for any of its people.

We do not condone any individuals that promote any actual Nazi or fascist symbolism or associate Croatian patriotism with Nazi symbolism. Fascism, Nazism and communism are all ideologies that undermined Croatian sovereignty.

In contrast to the agenda driven narrative of the authors, ‘Deseti Travanj’ represents the true will of the Croatian people to have a free and independent nation. This is why the day was generally acknowledged by leaders and Governments all over the world. The hard reality is that if Croatians had a choice, Croatia would not have been aligned with Mussolini and Hitler. Half of Europe was aligned with Hitler and the Axis powers and like Croatia, not by the will of the people but out of fear of being occupied by dictator Stalin and the Soviets.

In fact, the western allies abandoned the Croatian people by rejecting Croatian independence so as not to displease Joseph Stalin who was a staunch supporter of Tito and the Yugoslav communist movement.

Western Governments deliberately abandoned a friend in Croatia so as to appease the west’s subsequent Cold War enemy Joseph Stalin and the USSR.

The fact remains that the Croatian diaspora in Australia and all over the world escaped death and persecution by Yugoslavia and that half the Croatian population including men,

I’ve always been of the opinion that the alleged mass graves like Jasenovac should be excavated to prove once and for all what really happened. This has never been done so society is merely going by the words of the Yugoslav regime that occupied Croatia.

In stark contrast to the alleged atrocities committed by Croatians, the mass graves of Croatians killed by the communists have been excavated and veri�ied.

Nobody is suggesting there were no killings committed during World War II, we are merely suggesting that there is a need for transparency and accuracy relating to the events of World War II and post war activities so as to bring genuine closure for all and no more of this �inger pointing which the authors are partaking.

The authors should also be aware of the fact that the mass grave in Jasenovac which they reference in their story is also full of victims killed by the communists in the post-World War II genocide of Croatians, yet the names of victims listed have all been classi�ied as victims of fascism with no reference acknowledging the fact that people buried there were also actually slaughtered by the communists of post-World War II Yugoslavia.

We should not be expected to believe lies nor should we be intimidated into being ashamed of our symbols or emblems or salutes that have nothing to do with fascism. We should not be ridiculed and labelled in society due to trash journalism that aims to falsely paint our community as fascist and offend the families, relatives and friends of those that were killed by the communist regime.

Pandering to Yugo-nostalgists and their communist propaganda that continues to lobby against a sovereign Croatia is hurtful, offensive and appalling and the June 11 article by Schneiders and Koobs is a disgraceful act of discrimination against the Croatian community.

On Saturday, 3 June, Croatia Deakin Soccer Club hosted a vibrant zabava to commemorate Croatian Statehood Day, or Dan državnosti. The event marked the 33rd anniversary of the constitution of the �irst modern multi-party Croatian Parliament, or Sabor, on 30 May 1990. This signi�icant milestone paved the way for Croatia’s arduous journey towards independence.

The evening began with Mladen Leko, the MC for the evening, extending a warm welcome to all the guests on behalf of the Club’s Board of Directors. He emphasized the historical importance of the occasion, acknowledging the resilience and sacri�ices made by countless individuals throughout the centuries to establish a free and independent Croatia.

To kick off the formal proceedings, the visiting dance group, CFE Vukovar from Sydney, took the stage with a stirring renditions the Australian and Croatian national anthems, evoking a sense of national pride in everyone present. Following this, a minute of silence was observed to honour those who had sel�lessly put their lives on the line for the sake of Croatia’s freedom.

CFE Vukovar continued their captivating performance by presenting a medley of traditional dances from the region of “Slavonija”. Their graceful movements and harmonious singing earned them a resounding round of applause, showcasing the talent and dedication of the dance group.

The Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia, Sandra Tvrtković, took the opportunity to share her thoughts on the signi�icance of celebrating Croatian Statehood Day within diaspora communities, highlighting the importance of preserving Croatian culture and traditions abroad, fostering a strong connection with the homeland.

Local dance group HFS Croatia took the stage next, with their junior members showcasing a dance from the region of “Posavina.” The youthful performers captivated the audience with their energy and enthusiasm, and were rewarded with applause and cheers before the intermediate group from HFS Croatia presented a beautiful interpretation of wedding traditions from the region of Podravina, titled “Podravski Svatovi.” The dancers’ elegant movements and colorful costumes brought to life the rich cultural heritage of Croatia.

Adding to the excitement of the evening was a surprise appearance by the victorious Canberra Croatia men’s team. Fresh from their triumph in the ACT Federation Cup, which secured their place in the Australia Cup

Round of 32, they were warmly greeted by the attendees, with Sydney Band “Plavi” leading the crowd in a rousing rendition of “Živjela Croacija,” expressing the collective joy and pride in the team’s achievement.

The formal proceedings came to a close with CFE Vukovar returning to the stage, delivering harmonious renditions of “Za Domovinu Našu” and “Bože Čuvaj Hrvatsku.” The heartfelt performances stirred deep emotions among the audience, reminding them of the importance of unity and love for their homeland.

As the night progressed, the Sydney Band “Plavi” took over, entertaining the revellers with their lively tunes and patriotic standards until the early hours of the mor- ning. The dance �loor was �illed with joyous individuals, celebrating not only Croatian Statehood Day but also the sense of community and shared heritage that brought them together.

As Croatian Statehood Day continues to be celebrated around the world, diaspora communities play a vital role in keeping the Croatian spirit alive. These gatherings serve as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry of Croatia and the enduring love and pride felt by its people, wherever they may be.