ZajednicÌŒar = Fraternalist. [volume] (Allegheny, Pa.) 1894-current, 1955-09-28
Brothers and Sisters, Delegates and Members
of the Ninth Convention:

We assembled here in the historic city of Phla-
depha representatives of the largest fraterna organza
ton chartered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to
discuss problems and make decisions concerning the future
welbeng of the Croatan Fraterna Union of America. 1t
quite appropriate that meet in the City of Brotherly
Love, nowhere else in this hemisphere could great
brotherhood of Americans of Croatian
suitable atmosphere than in the Cradle of America for the
first time in SIXTY years. to take stock of the Socety
accomplishments and to lay plans for further service to
fellow men, banded together in the Croatian Fratenal
Union of America for the good.
The story of achievements is presented to you in
separate book of officers reports Read those reports
carefully. That story would not be complete without due
recognition to the and whose untiring efforts
in the past made these achievements possible proud
to take this opportunity and give special commentator
builders in the field to the officers of lodges and
nests and the Home Office personnel for their part
the progress of the Society," maintaining at all times and
particularly during the past four years. the highest
ards of service to fellow members On the basis of
services loyalty and sound business practices look
forward to greater progress and increased service to
the membership of the Croatan Fraternal Union.
Sxty-one years ago this month"; small group of
met in small in Old Allegheny to work out prob
lem peculiarly their to organize society to promote
fraterna well social activities, for their mutual bene
fit and protection and to provide financial assistance to
their loved who could be left virtually penniless in the
old country The fundamental principles upon which the
National Croatan Society organized exactly op
pose to those of the lands of tyranny and persecution
which they left behind In newly found freedoms in the
New World, such equality, liberty justice brotherhood
of man. freedom of religion and worship, they found
hope and inspiration for life in opposition to all forms
of tyranny and oppression.
We met here re-dedcate ourselves and
vices the future growth of the Croatan Faternal Union
upon the fundamental principles which motvated
pioneers to give the utmost Of themselves for the good of
their fellow in need In doing this counting
among blessings not only the freedom of speech
ship and assembly, but also the freedom to form
citation of and of Croaan ancestry and enjoy
the mutual blessings of fellowship in the fraterna benefit
system.
For that reason, repeat that could not have met
in fitting surroundings than right here in Phadel
pha in the cradle of America where find many
historical treasures and feel renewed pride at being
American
The Growth of the Union
In the reports of the officers and officials submitted
you you will find detailed accounts of the progress Of
the Croatan Fraterna Union of America in the period
since the Eighth Convention in all phases of it's benevolent
activities.
1t is worth repeating here that total
grown by than million dollars year; that the
life insurance protection members has increased from
to close to "a million dollars that payments of benefits
members have reached ~ million year, that the total
membership in both senior and junior ORDERS is at it's
new peak of 100000 members Not only has the
bershp increased but considerable of additional
life insurance protection has been purchased by the old
members realizing the devaluaton of the American dollar
1t up to assembled here to continue bring