CROATIAN HEROES! A CALL TO ARMS!

The Spanish-American War, although it lasted only two months, gave CroatianAmericans an opportunity to show their patriotism to their new homeland. The most striking example was an effort by a committee of Croatian -Americans in Allegheny, Pennsylvania to form a volunteer military unit made up exclusively of their countrymen. To this end they circulated an emotional proclamation which (in condensed form) read as follows:

Croatians are known throughout the world as brave and fearless fighters. For centuries our forefathers have shed their blood for noble causes and we must now be their worthy successors. Our children cannot be shamed by their fathers, rather they must be able to proudly proclaim that we fought for America -this glorious land which received us with open arms. Think about the warship "Maine" which was sunk with 260 victims! Think about the persecuted in Cuba! Consider, Croatian brothers, that every insult bestowed upon our new homeland is an insult to us too. This is now our new homeland and it is our sacred duty to defend it. Every nationality group is responding to America's call and we Croatians must not lag behind.

Croatians -- you must be worthy successors of our forefathers. Cowardice has never been a characteristic of our people. It is imperative, therefore, that everyone register for this effort as soon as possible, either verbally or in writing. This is particularly true for anyone with military experience, especially anyone with former military rank. Croatian warriors -- the bugle sounds! It is our sacred duty to respond with the well-known refrain "To arms, to arms, noble knights. Rise up, rise up, brave warriors."

This proclamation had a powerful influence on America's Croatian population. So much so that within days the Allegheny, Pennsylvania committee received 470 positive commitments. And in the Croatian-Slovenian community of Calumet, Michigan 175 young healthy youths volunteered for service in this endeavor. This troop was subsequently outfitted and armed by the state of Michigan.

Skrivanic does not say whether any of the enthusiastic volunteers mentioned above were ever called to active duty.

Translated by Richard L. Major Member, National Board of Trustees

SKRIVANIC MEMOIRS

1886-1915

ZAJEDNICAR

DEC 16, 1998

The SpanishAmerican War, although it lasted only two months, gave CroatianAmericans an opportunity to show their patriotism to their new homeland.

He does elaborate, however, on the heroic role played in the war by Ernest Sunzenic -- a Croat from Istria.

On July 12, 1898 Ernest Sunzenic, a seaman aboard the U.S. warship Nashville, pulled off a heroic act that contributed mightily to the resounding U.S. victory a couple of days later. In broad daylight Sunzenic and a group of other sailors took off from the warships Nashvile and Marblehead in a couple of small skiffs and made their way to the shallows about 100 yards off Cienfuegos. There they fished up the Spaniards' underwater telegraph cable with the objective of severing it. The Spaniards spotted them, however, and opened fire with one shell exploding immediately above the two skiffs, killing several Americans instantly and fatally wounding others. Sunzenic's partner, who was holding the cable while Sunzenic sawed away at it, was among those killed instantly. Sunzenic, though wounded himself, did not give up and managed to sever the cable which was the main line of communication between Cuba and the West Indies. With his dead and wounded comrades he then made his way back to the Nashville.

All of the great American newspapers of the day praised Sunzenic for his brave actions. The big New York daily "World" even printed his picture and referred to him as a true hero.

Translated by Richard L. Major Member, National Board of Trustees

SKRIVANIC MEMOIRS

1886-1915

ZAJEDNICAR

DEC 16, 1998