Again I'll be reminded by some Croatians they they do not need such articles before summer season so before you start to read this true happened story I have to underline Croatia is after liberation war is evaluated in modern democracy with attributes which belong to such country and I would definitely suggest anyone to visit Croatia not only for it's stunning beauty but as a model of what people can achieve if there is will and wisdom. My mother is Croatian and I thank her for part of my genes my wife is Croatian and I thank her for unlimited and warm love as Croatians know to give.







If you look back dear Ivo, is there anything to smile about?

Ivo, a friend of mine was caught by police when I was living in Croatia (ex Yugoslavia) in Communist time. He was hanged from his feet, and beaten till the death.

He probably would not have died if he was not stoned at the moment, but that can not be an excuse for what the police did.

I do not know what their intention was, but I do not think they cared much if they would kill a person or not. There where no sanctions for them. They where not human orthey would not hang one teenager from his feet and beat him like they did.

We were just 18 then. It was so strange when I heard that Ivo was dead and that our other friend was in hospital.

I went to the hospital to see him. He was a real mess, in shock, mentally dimmed, all black and blue. His wrists and ankles where completely damaged. He told me all of the horrific details of this happening, begging me to run and hide because they would kill us all.

Ivo's parents did not wish anyone at the funeral, so a few weeks later I went by myself to my friends grave. It was on the hill in a little village cemetery not far from the seaside. It was a beautiful warm and tranquil day. His grave was covered with tiny blue flowers, not planted by someone, but wild flowers which grew by themselves. The sun was setting down and a warm breeze was waving the grass. I was sitting on the ground next to his grave looking at the the sun while my soul was woven with emotions of unbelief and sadness. The silence in the air was unbearable.

Such a beautiful moment for a farewell, but I wish it had never come to that.
Poor.....poor friend of mine.


Three years after that, I flew to the west.

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I never talked about this with anyone except with those who were involved in this terrible event. There was lot of terrible things happening but this was worst of them all 34 years after I feel unease to tell it in public it feels like its an integral part of me and it should die with me so it never wakes up. But from other side I think I should tell.

Thank you for understanding.
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