In Memory of Vjekoslav Draženović
Pokojni Vjekoslav Draženović bio je onaj dio hrvatske poslijeratne emigracije u hrvatskoj zajednici Sydneya koja je bila odlučna, odana, pouzdana i nepokolebljiva u svojoj predanosti određenom cilju. On je bio snažan, čvrst i nepokolebljiv pristaša u promicanju svega hrvatskoga, a ponajviše u promidžbi i očuvanju hrvatske kulturne baštine i hrvatskoga jezika, a u širem smislu i nepokolebljiv pristaša u borbi i promidžbi ideje hrvatske državotvornosti i hrvatske slobode i nezavisnosti. Njegov se višegodišnji rad mogao najviše vidjeti i osjetiti u Hrvatskoj znanstvenoj zakladi, tu je godinama davao sve od sebe da Zaklada postane najuspješnija hrvatska udruga u Australiji. U onim ranim danima i godinama, njegov dom bio je mjesto brojnih sastanaka i prijateljskih i strateških razgovora kako i kojim putom je najbolje kenuti do potpunog uspjeha.
U pamćenju mnogih Hrvata grada Sydneya, Vjekoslava Draženovića će pamtiti kao gospodina na hrvatskim piknicmima, na hrvatskim zabavama, ispred hrvatskih katoličkih centara u Sydneyu, ispred hrvatskih klubova i na brojnim drugim mjestima i sastajlištima Hrvata, kao na primjer na nogometnim utkamicama Sydney Croatie, On je sjedio za stolom, često sam i uz tablu pokraj sebe sa starim hrvatskim grbom i sljedećom porukom: ''UČLANITE SE U HRVATSKU ZNANSTVENU! ZAKLADA TREBA POTPORU SVIH HRVATA i uz stihove hrvatskog pjesnika Drage Ivaniševića ''...HRVATSKA JE RIJEČ KOJU NAUČIH OD MAJKE... I KUD GOD IDEM SA MNOM JE HRVATSKA!
Kao sin kršne Like, Vjekoslav se nikada nije bojao prihvatiti nove izazove i prilike i sve je radio sa iskrenošću i integritetom. Imao je vrlo snažne ljudske vrijednosti i svi su ga zbog toga jako cijenili. Ali, bio je cijenjen i zbog svoje pozitivne energije i neutažive želje za uspjehom. Vjekoslav je bio umjeren i skroman čovjek i velikodušan prema drugima, uvijek je nalazio vremena da pomogne drugim ljudima.
Iako Vjekoslavova fizička prisutnost neće više krasiti živote njegove obitelji i svih nas koji smog poznavali, njegov duh će nas i dalje nadahnjivati i uzdizati. Neka uspomena na Vjekoslava Draženovića bude blagoslov i neka nastavimo nositi njegovu ostavštinu ljubavi i suosjećanja u svemu što radimo. Poštovani i dragi Vjekoslave, tvoje svjetlo, tvoja vjera i tvoja snažna i pozitivna energija zauvijek će sjati jarko u našim srcima. Ovdje ti izričemo svoju ljudsku zahvalnost za sve ono dobro i plemenito što si učinio za Hrvatsku znanstvenu zakladu, za hrvatsku zajednicu grada Sydneya i cijele Australije.
Pokoj vječni daruj mu Gospodine, svjetlost vječna svjetlila Njemu počivao u miru Božjem. Amen. Obitelji i rodbini naša iskrena sućut.
Upravni odbor Zaklada Hrvatskih Studija!
Vjekoslav Draženović
The late Vjekoslav Draženović was that part of the Croatian post-war emigration in the Croatian community of Sydney that was determined, loyal, reliable and unwavering in its dedication to a particular cause. He was a strong, firm and unwavering supporter of all things Croatian, and above all in the promotion and preservation of Croatian cultural heritage and the Croatian language, and in a broader sense, an unwavering supporter of the fight and promotion of the idea of Croatian statehood and Croatian freedom and independence. His many years of work could be seen and felt most clearly at the Croatian Studies Foundation, where he spent years doing his best to make the Foundation the most successful Croatian association in Australia. In those early days and years, his home was the site of numerous meetings, friendly and strategic discussions on how and which path was best to navigate to complete success for the foundation in reaching its key objectives.
In the memories of many Croats in the city of Sydney, Vjekoslav Draženović will be remembered as a gentleman at Croatian picnics, at Croatian celebrations, in front of Croatian Catholic churches in Sydney, in front of Croatian clubs and at numerous other places and meeting places of Croats, such as at Sydney Croatia football matches.
He sat at a table, often alone and with a Sign next to him with the old Croatian coat of arms and with the following message: ''JOIN THE CROATIAN STUDIES FOUNDATION! THE FOUNDATION NEEDS THE SUPPORT OF ALL CROATIANS'' and with verses by the Croatian poet Drago Ivanišević ''...CROATIA IS A WORD I LEARNED FROM MY MOTHER... AND WHEREVER I GO, CROATIA IS WITH ME!”
As a son of the rugged area of Lika, Vjekoslav was never afraid to accept new challenges and opportunities and did everything with honesty and integrity. He had very strong human values and was highly respected by everyone for that. But he was also respected for his positive energy and insatiable desire for success. Vjekoslav was a moderate and modest man and generous towards others, always finding time to help other people.
Although Vjekoslav's physical presence will no longer grace the lives of his family and all of us who knew him, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May the memory of Vjekoslav Draženović be a blessing and may we continue to carry his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. Dear and beloved Vjekoslav, your light, your faith, and your strong and positive energy will forever shine brightly in our hearts. We express our human gratitude to you for all the good and noble things you have done for the Croatian Studies Foundation, for the Croatian community of the city of Sydney, and all of Australia.
Eternal rest grant him, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in the peace of God. Amen.
Our sincere condolences to his family and relatives.
The Executive board Croatian Studies Foundation!