Jandroković: Operation Storm is a Key Turning Point for Croatian Independence

Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković extended congratulations on Tuesday on the occasion of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm, calling it the crowning achievement of the defensive Homeland War and a historic turning point that enabled the end of the war.

"It is a key historical dividing line at which the Croatian people gained full capacity to independently shape their own path," Jandroković emphasized in his congratulatory message. He added that this day belongs to Croatian veterans and called for remembrance of all those who defended Croatia, with special thoughts for the families of the fallen and missing, disabled war veterans, and all who made the greatest sacrifices for Croatian freedom.

The Magnitude of Victory and Responsibility

Jandroković stressed that with the passage of time, the scale of the military victories achieved in the summer of 1995 can be seen even more clearly. According to him, they were achieved through the unity and sacrifice of Croatian veterans, under the leadership of the state leadership headed by the first president, Franjo Tuđman.

He emphasized that great victories also bring great responsibility, and freedom is most valuable when it transforms into strength for the progress of the state. He noted that from these foundations emerged a modern, democratic, and internationally recognized Croatia, a member of the EU and NATO, and called for the truth about the victory in the summer of 1995 to continue to serve as motivation for building Croatia on the basis of unity and creating opportunities for young people to remain in their homeland.

Commemorations in Karlovac and Pazin

Commemorative gatherings were held across Croatia. In Karlovac, on the Square of Croatian Veterans, representatives of numerous veterans' associations, families of fallen and missing Croatian veterans, and citizens gathered to lay a joint wreath, light candles, and offer prayers in front of the memorial. "This expressed deep gratitude and honor to all those who built their lives into the foundations of a free and independent Republic of Croatia," said Karlovac veterans.

The observance continued at Turnj, a symbol of Karlovac's defense, where candles were lit in front of the monument bearing the names of fallen veterans by representatives of associations and citizens. The event was attended by Karlovac County Prefect Martina Furdek Hajdin and Karlovac Mayor Damir Mandić with their teams.

Ahead of the observance, wreaths were also laid and candles lit at the "Moj mir" city cemetery in Pazin as a sign of gratitude and respect for all Croatian veterans. Tributes were paid by delegations from the City of Pazin, led by Mayor Suzana Jašić, as well as representatives of Homeland War associations, anti-fascist organizations, the Pazin Police Station, political parties, and other public bodies.