Croatian Fraternal Union Convention Held in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA, September 19 – Croatian Fraternal Union (CFU) is going to strengthen its activities in Croatian-American communities in U.S. and continue good work on preserving Croatian tradition, said Bernard Luketich, President of CFU, at 21st CFU Quadrennial Convention held in Atlanta, GA.

The convention gathered 223 delegates from U.S. and Canada who discussed plans for future and elected 25-year long president Luketich to a new four-year term.

Our most important goals are to gather more Croatian-Americans in our ranks, to further develop our activities and to work on protection of Croatian traditions, said Luketich at a two-day convention that is held every four years.

CFU is the organization that for decades enabled many Croatians who immigrated to this great country to keep their Croatian identity as they worked their way up the social ladder to become distinguished members of American Communities, said Croatian Ambassador to U.S. Dr Ivan Grdesic in his address to the convention.

For Republic of Croatia it is not only important that Croatian-Americans invest their capital in bussines ventures in their old homeland, but to convey important experiences in operating such and successful non-governmental organization, said Grdesic.

CFU celebrates 109^th anniversary in 2003 and Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tonino Picula and Prime Minister Ivica Racan have sent their regards to CFU convention.

In his note, Prime Minister Ivica Racan said the CFU is the largest and most successful union of Croats in the world, as seen in the fact that it has been active for more than 100 years, and that it helps preserve and promote Croatian tradition, culture, politics, and economy. The PM also congratulates Luketich on 25 years of leading the CFU.

Bernard Luketich  was decorated by Croatian President Stjepan Mesic with one of the highest Croatian national decorations during his visit to Croatia in February. During his stay in Croatia Luketich met with Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan and received the decision of enrolling in Croatian citizenship and Croatian passport from Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tonino Picula.

Croatian Fraternal Union with headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA, founded in 1894, is the oldest and largest Croatian organization outside Croatia, with 90,000 members, 1,500 of in Croatia. The main activity of CFU is providing insurance and outstanding protection for Croatian-Americans, and today it has assets of $ 224 million. However, it is actively involved in promoting Croatian cultural activities in U.S. and Canada. One well-known activity is the Tamburitza Festival, which is being held across United States and Canada. CFU has also established Scholarship foundation for Croatians and Americans of Croatian descent. During the Homeland War in Croatia as well as today, CFU supported the Croatian cause and people through providing humanitarian aid.