Articles for author: Mark Plavetich

16 srpnja, 2024

Mark Plavetich

Meeting with Dr. Andrej Maček and the story of Vladko Maček

On Monday, July 8th I had the privilege to visit Dr. Andrej Maček at his home in Kensington, Maryland. Fr. Maurus Dolčić, the priest of the Croatian Catholic Mission in DC and a Franciscan Friar of the Third Order Regular Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, invited me to join Dr. Maček to visit and gift him several books about Jastrebarsko, Croatia and a bottle of white Zinfandel wine. Dr. Maček, now age 97, is the son of one of the greatest Croatian political leaders, Vladko Maček, who was a powerful advocate for Croatian independence, recognition, and representation from the tyranny

15 srpnja, 2024

Mark Plavetich

President Milanovic, First Lady Sanja Music Milanovic, and a Cabinet member standing for both the Croatian and American National Anthems – photo from the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia/ Filip Glas

President Milanovic visits Croatian Americans at the Embassy of Croatia in Washington DC

Washington DC: The President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanovic, visited Washington DC together with all the heads of State and Government of NATO member nations for the 75th Anniversary Celebration for the NATO Alliance. His visit to Washington focuses on the 2024 NATO Summit set for July 9-11. Evening at the Embassy During his first day of his official visit to Washington, President Milanovic and his wife Sanja Music Milanovic attended an evening reception for the Croatian American community and colleagues of Croatia organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia to the USA. The Embassy invited

10 lipnja, 2024

Mark Plavetich

Klapa “Neverin” performs for Washington DC Croatian Community

The Croatian Embassy hosted an incredible concert celebrating Croatian National Day performed by the world-renowned female group Klapa “Neverin.” A full house was entertained by various songs based on traditional Dalmatian, popular, and patriotic Croatian songs, like Ne dirajte mi ravnicu and Moj dida i ja. This program was financed and organized by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Croatian Embassy. Attendees include the Croatian Ambassador to the United States Pjer Šimonović, who received a special gift on behalf of the Klapa “Neverin.” Branka Pažin from the Croatian Embassy also received a gift from the group as

28 svibnja, 2024

Mark Plavetich

Croatian Children’s Author Wows DC Croatian Community with New Book

The Embassy of Croatia organized an interactive book event for the newly released book, “Wow, This is Croatia (Wow, ovo je Hrvatska)” by Ružica Kandić and illustrated by Ana Rako. This book provides an exciting interactive activity through the myths and legends of Croatia while providing interesting information about the region in the story and the town where the tale was set. Stories include the tale of Saint Blaise with information about the city of Dubrovnik, the culture, Croatian phrases, and interactive activities for children to follow along with the story.  The book event began with the editor for ALFA Publishing

20 travnja, 2024

Mark Plavetich

Croatian Finance Minister Visits Croatian American Community in Washington DC

On April 19, 2024, Croatian Finance Minister Ph. D Marko Primorac visited Washington DC in part of a trip for the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) and delivered a presentation to the Croatian American community in Washington on Croatia’s achievements over the past two years since its accession to the European Union. The presentation was located at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Washington DC, and organized by Hrvatska Ura, the Croatian American Club based in the metropolitan area. Minister Primorac discussed Croatia’s key accomplishments since its accession into the European Union

19 travnja, 2024

Mark Plavetich

Croatian American community in New York and the American spirit – part 3

After first and second article, here is third. Sports Along with Croatian American’s contributions to their respected fields, they have always maintained a close kinship to their love for Croatia while showcasing their skills in Croatia’s national sport, soccer. Established in 1923, the Cosmopolitan Soccer League, one of the oldest soccer leagues in the United States, provided numerous amateur soccer clubs from diaspora communities in New York, including the New York Croatia Soccer Club (NY Croatia SC). Since 1962, NY Croatia SC has been one of the many Croatian American soccer clubs and one of the first teams within the Croatian National

9 travnja, 2024

Mark Plavetich

Croatian American community in New York and the American spirit – part 2

After first article, we are writing about Science and the Arts. While most immigrants came from agricultural and artisan fields and took on labor jobs in New York, most have risen to excel in many fields, including science, business, and art. One of the most famous Croatian artists who lived in New York was sculptor Ivan Mestrović (1883-1962). Born in Vrpolje Slavonia, he brought modernist styles along with traditionalism to the States and is presented in various parts of the United States and Croatia which can be viewed through his beloved sculptures “History of Croatia,” “Relief of Kardinal Alojzije Stepinac,” and the “Spearman.” Mestrović was also

2 travnja, 2024

Mark Plavetich

Croatian American community in New York and the American spirit – part 1

The Croatian diaspora in the United States is one of the largest and oldest communities that live outside of Croatia. There are at least 1,200,000 Croats living in the United States, and most reside in the largest cities in Chicago, St. Louis, Pittsburg, Southern California, New York, New Jersey, and Cleveland. One of the oldest happens to be in the New York area where the largest Croatian community still thrives.  There are currently over 24,000 Croats who still live in New York where the largest communities are in Manhattan and Astoria, Queens. From simple farmers, fishermen, and shipbuilders to business professionals, engineers, lawyers, and