Sunday September 28. St. Nicholas Centennial and Croatian PM visit to Gig Harbor

Written by Jack van Ommen on September 28th, 2014

“Dobro Yutro” and “Kakosi” all around me, my last name on my name tag raised a few Croatian eye brows. It could have been from my mother’s side….  Four purse seiners, flying the Hrvatska flag were parked at the city dock. The city distributed small Croatian flags and a choral group in traditional garb sang Dalmatian songs and their national anthem. Besides the prime minister Zoran Milanovic, the Croatian ambassador to the USA also joined the visit. I would have liked to stay longer but I needed to rehearse for the 11 a.m. mass choir. If you read Serbo-Croatian here is a link to the report on the Croation TV: http://www.rtl.hr/vijesti/novosti/1343749/americki-hrvati-docekali-premijera-on-porucio-da-dolazi-prvi-i-zadnji-put/

This was the big day that I had planned for the last few years to come back for from where ever I might be. It was supposed to have taken place around Easter but was postponed. And this way the service combined the installation of our new priest, father Mark Guzman by the Archbishop, James Peter Sartain, at the same time. It was a beautiful service with standing room only attendance. Afterwards I attended the catered lunch in the Parish hall. At both events I was able to re-acquaint with old friends. I am very fortunate to live in this unique town.

PM and Ambassador

PM and Ambassador

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The Sinovi Tambouristas from Seattle http://www.slavonicweb.org/performers.php?id=102

Archbishop Left with Fr.Guzman

Archbishop Left with Fr.Guzman

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