Croatia – U.S.
United in sorrow and
determined in fight against terrorism
Flowers and candles in front
of the American Embassy
In Zagreb after the September
11 terrorist attacks on
WTC and Pentagon
It was with disbelief, shock
and deep sadness that the people of Croatia have received the news of terrorist
attacks in the United States. The Government of the Republic of Croatia,
President, Prime Minister, political parties, clerical representatives and
Croats all over the world expressed deepest
sympathy and condolences to the people of the U.S. This was not a crime against U.S. but a
crime against humanity in which so many people from different nationalities lost
their lives. Among them were also American
Croats.
The shocking images of WTC,
Pentagon and suffering of innocent people and their families bring to Croatian
peoples’ memory the images of their own suffering during the homeland war not
so long ago. As at the time, they lighted candles in memory and as a sign of
sympathy with American people who suffered these horrible terrorist attacks.
On Friday, September 14, Croatia declared National Day of
Mourning. Flags flied at half mast and Croats observed a minute of silence in tribute to the victims. Numerous
state officials and citizens signed the book
of condolence.
At Croatian Embassy in
Washington, immediately after the attacks, Ambassador Dr. Ivan
Grdesic sent a letter to the US Ambassador in Croatia Mr. Lawrence Rossin
and to many US officials in Washington expressing condolences to all the
victims’ families and all of the American people. He also signed a book of
condolence at the Department of State and attended together with his wife, Mrs.
Elena Grdesic, a Memorial Service in Washington’s National Cathedral as well as
in Croatian Catholic Mission. Ambassador and all embassy staff also donated
blood to the American Red Cross.
During all these days of
sadness, Embassy staff were involved dealing with numerous
calls from Croatia and the United States when people asked about their
friend and relatives whereabouts. But, they were also engaged in giving
assistance and support to the US government in the global fight against
terrorism in accordance to the platform given by the Croatian Government and
the President of Croatia.