[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 23, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MARIJAN ORESNIK

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2014

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak as Co-Chair of the 
Congressional Croatian Caucus, and I know I speak for the entire Caucus 
in recognition of the outstanding service of Dr. Marijan Oresnik, 
Consul for the Consulate of the Republic of Croatia.
  Marijan is truly devoted to bridging the gap between cultures and 
illuminating the commonalities that all of us share as human beings.
  He was born and raised in Zagreb, Croatia, where he quickly 
discovered that he had an interest in foreign cultures and a calling to 
acquire fluency in other ways of life. After receiving an undergraduate 
degree in American and Spanish literature at the University of Zagreb, 
he was compelled to continue his education in the United States. In 
1979 he received a Master's degree in American Literature from the 
University of Washington.
  Following completion of graduate studies, he returned to Croatia to 
work in the field of linguistics and to teach English. He enjoyed 
enriching Croatian culture by exposing his people to foreign cultures, 
and he was able to do this in an even greater capacity when he became 
the head of the International Unit of Croatian Television from 1990 to 
1995. It was during this period that Croatia established itself as an 
independent nation, and the new Croatian Government took notice of 
Marijan's skill and commitment during this pivotal time. The government 
reached out to him and asked him to serve his country in a new post at 
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He accepted the call of duty and 
became a Political Counselor, specializing in culture and media, first 
in Indonesia, then in Canada. Finally in 2010, he was promoted to 
Minister Counselor and posted in Los Angeles.
  The Croatian Community in Los Angeles is the third largest in the 
United States, and Marijan was warmly welcomed there. He has been a 
tremendous asset these past four years. I have come to know him as a 
modest and thoughtful man whose every action on duty demonstrates his 
goal of improving the lives of the Croatian people both here and 
abroad. It is very inspiring to know someone like him who believes that 
our differences should not divide us, and that cultural exchange 
strengthens us all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members of the House join me in 
congratulating the service of Dr. Marijan Oresnik.

                          ____________________