IN REMEMBRANCE OF HEROES: Dedication of the new Standard

Monday, May 30, 2005

Some of the Association's veterans proudly display their new barjak on the steps of the Croatian Church, London, England.

A beautiful Mass was conducted by Father Drago Berisic of the Croatian Catholic Mission at the conclusion of which he called forward the barjak party. He then blessed our new barjak, purchased from donations and gleaming with the names of the battles and campaigns we are permitted to bear with Holy water followed by a speech from Association Secretary and founder Daniel Kington. A minutes' silence was concluded by a roll call of the dead and the salute; "Za nase branitelje; za nase prijatelje; za nasu bracu. Za Slobodu."

There were tears. Upon thanking the packed congregation, a burst of long, spontaneous applause erupted from those present. It was a moving highlight to a very proud day and, for some members, who haven't returned to Croatia or Bosnia since the wars and haven't experienced the gratitude of the people until now, it was a deeply touching experience.

After leaving the church we made our way to a hall nearby where a most excellent reception was arranged by Father Drago and Brigadir Milan Knezevic, Defence Attache of the Croatian Embassy. We are indebted to them for the top quality Croatian food and wines provided. Amidst a truly generous outpouring of compliments and much lively, friendly conversation, we were made to feel most welcome by all our dear friends in the Croatian and Bosnian communities.

Eventually, people with long journeys to make drifted away but a handful of us stayed on for a drink and a chat in a nearby Pub. The dedication of our new barjak has brought us all closer together in friendship and proud memory of our dear, fallen friends.

A contribution of forty pounds(fifty-six Euros) was raised amongst the members for the Croatian Catholic Mission. However, Father Drago declined the offer, saying it had been his privilege to articulate the gratitude his people felt for our (tiny) contribution to their freedom. The money has since been set aside for our humanitarian and welfare projects.

CFIVA