Mississippi and Biloxi declare September 22 Croatian Heritage Day
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
During his working visit to the United States, President of the Republic Zoran Milanović continued his trip on Friday in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he visited the Croatian community and met with Mayor Andrew Gilich, who himself has Croatian roots.
During a ceremony at Biloxi City Hall, in honor of President Milanović’s visit, Mayor Gilich proclaimed September 22nd as Croatian Heritage Day in the city of Biloxi, and Governor Tate Reeves did the same for the entire state of Mississippi.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
During the ceremony, President Milanović expressed his pleasant surprise at the organization and connection of the Croatians living in this U.S. state with their homeland. This community of immigrants, mostly from Dalmatia, has found their home on the shores of Biloxi.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
“This community of immigrants from the Dalmatian islands, where the majority of Croatian immigrants, especially from Brač and Hvar, originate, and some parts of the Dalmatian hinterland, where Mayor Gilich is from, is a surprise,” said President Milanović. He is the first Croatian president and the first Croatian state official to visit the Croatians in Biloxi.
Furthermore, President Milanović emphasized the importance of the maritime heritage of the Croatian people and their long-standing connection to the sea. “Croatians are the only Slavic people who are sailors. We have lived by the sea, with the sea, and from the sea for centuries, and everything is based on that, from innovations to income.”
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
Speaking about the history of Croatian immigration to Mississippi, he mentioned that from his conversations with them, he can see that many are familiar with the island they came from – the island of Brač. “Come to Brač and see for yourselves, but I’m sure you will like it and fall in love with the land of your ancestors,” President Milanović conveyed to the members of the Croatian community.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
Croatians began arriving in Biloxi, Mississippi, in the early 20th century, mostly from the island of Brač. They were primarily involved in shrimping, a tradition that continues, but newer generations are also pursuing other professions.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
In addition to the Mayor of Biloxi and the Governor of Mississippi, the ceremony was attended by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, as well as Congressman Mike Ezell.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
On Saturday, President Milanović will visit the Croatian community in New Orleans, where he will participate in the opening ceremony of the new Croatian Center.
