[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 149 (Thursday, October 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CROATIAN FRATERNAL UNION 
                   OF AMERICA, LODGE # 859, ZUMBERAK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 75th 
anniversary of Zumberak Lodge, of the Croatian Fraternal Union of 
America.
  The Croatian Fraternal Union of America (CFU) is the largest and 
oldest Croatian organization in North America. There are more than 200 
lodges throughout the United States and Canada and 18 in the State of 
Ohio. The CFU was founded on September 2, 1894 as the Croatian Union of 
the United States, and in 1895 was renamed the National Croatian 
Society. The National Croatian Society merged with several other 
Croatian organizations and became the Croatian Fraternal Union of 
America in 1925. Originally, CFU was created as a society of mutual aid 
for Croatians in the event of sickness and death. It has also been 
publishing its own newspaper, The Zajednicar, since 1904. Today, in 
addition to providing insurance, the CFU is dedicated to preserving 
Croatian culture in North America, and provides numerous fraternal and 
cultural programs for its members.
  In addition to celebrating the 75th anniversary of Zumberak Lodge, 
members who have been with the Croatian Fraternal Union for 50 years 
will also be honored at the celebration. The 50 year members include: 
Gerald Babbits, Dwayne Hunn, Robert Knezevic, Ann Lang, Mary Ann Mave, 
Linda Mayo, William Rubick and Barbara Zander. The celebration will 
begin with a service at St. Nicholas Croatian Byzantine Catholic Church 
and be followed by a memorial service for deceased members, a blessing 
for the 50 year members and conclude with a champagne brunch at Manor 
Party Center in Euclid, Ohio.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the 75th 
anniversary of Zumberak Lodge and those who are celebrating 50 years of 
membership with the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, Zumberak Lodge 
#859.

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