VIDEO: Croatian Memorial Monument in Roslyn honors ancestral legacy 

National Croatian Monument – Left to Right: Frank Brozovich, Honorary Consul at Seattle, Ambassador Pjer Šimunović, Consul General Renee Pea, and Dick Watts, Roslyn Cemetery Committee Chair & Assistant Cemetery Sexton (Photo credit: Paul Fridlund)

Amidst the serene expanse of the Roslyn Historic Cemeteries in Roslyn, Washington, stands a profound symbol of remembrance and gratitude: the Croatian Memorial Monument. 

In a tribute to the legacy of Croatian coal miners, this monument is a testament to the enduring spirit and contributions of the Croatian community in the region.

Dating back to the 1890s, the Roslyn Historic Cemeteries boast an intricate network of 27 resting places, resonating with the whispers of a bygone era. 

Roslyn Historical Cemeteries

Among them, six cemeteries pay homage to the Croatian heritage, underscoring the profound connection that the Croatian community shares with the region’s rich history.

Reflecting on the monumental effort to bring the Croatian Memorial Monument to fruition, the appointment of a dedicated Project Manager marked a pivotal moment. In 2017, Frank Brozovich, the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Croatia at Seattle, Washington, entrusted the role of Project Manager to commemorate the Croatian coal miners of Roslyn, Ronald, and Cle Elum, Washington. 

Local and Croatian dignitaries at the National Croatian Monument. Left to right: Washington State Representative Alex Ybarra, Honorary Consul at Seattle Frank Brozovich, Ambassador to the Embassy of Croatia at Washington, D.C. Pjer Šimunović, Project Manager and Event Organizer Beverly Prkačin Read, Consul General at Los Angeles, CA Renee Pea, Roslyn Cemetery Committee Chairman & Assistant Cemetery Sexton Dick Watts, Kittitas County Commissioner Laura Osiadacz (Photo credit: Paul Fridlund)

This project culminated in the unveiling of the Croatian Memorial Monument on May 26, 2018, a feat made possible through the architectural prowess of Ivo Gregov.

Fast forward to October 2, 2023, the Croatian Memorial Monument proudly commemorated its five-year anniversary, bringing the community together in a celebration of Croatian heritage and the remarkable lives of its ancestors. Spearheading this celebratory event, Maria Adams, President of the Roslyn, Ronald, Cle Elum Heritage Club, and her collaborators orchestrated a momentous occasion to honor two exceptional leaders in the community.

During the commemorative ceremony, the distinguished guests, Pjer Simunovic, the Ambassador for the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia at Washington, D.C., and Renee Pea, the Consul General at Los Angeles, graced the event with their presence. 

Ambassador Pjer Šimunović, Frank Brozovich, Honorary Consul at Seattle, Consul General Renee Pea, and Dick Watts, Roslyn Cemetery Committee Chair & Assistant Cemetery Sexton with their awards (Photo credit: Paul Fridlund)

They presented prestigious award certificates to Frank Brozovich and Richard M. Watts, acknowledging their pivotal roles in preserving the cultural fabric of the Croatian community and the historical significance of the Roslyn Historic Cemeteries.

The words inscribed on the certificates of recognition served as a testament to the unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions of the honorees.

Honoree Frank Brozovich: In appreciation of your hard work and dedication in promoting Croatia, its rich heritage, history and culture. And your leadership in bringing together the Croatian community through numerous initiatives and activities including Croatia Fest, the most notable Croatian Festival in the Pacific Northwest.

Frank Brozovich, Honorary Consul at Seattle, receiving his certificate of recognition. Left to right: Frank Brozovich, Ambassador Pjer Šimunović and  Renee Pea (Photo credit: Paul Fridlund)

Honoree Dick Watts:  In appreciation of your exemplary actions of volunteerism to restore, preserve, and maintain the Roslyn Historic Cemeteries as well as your exceptional leadership in building community.

As the Croatian Memorial Monument basked in its five-year anniversary celebration, it served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and enduring spirit of the Croatian community in Roslyn, Ronald, and Cle Elum, Washington. Through the honoring of their ancestors and the recognition of community leaders, this milestone celebration reverberated with the timeless echoes of a rich heritage, serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.