The Minister of Croatian Veterans sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of Victory Day, Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm, remembering all those who gave their lives for freedom.
Minister of Croatian Veterans Tomo Medved sent a congratulatory message on August 4, 2026, on the occasion of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm.
In his message, carried by Hrvatska uživo and Cronika.hr, the minister emphasized that the Homeland War is the foundation of Croatian statehood, and Operation Storm is its crowning achievement. "The Homeland War is the foundation of our statehood, Operation Storm is the crown of all our battles, and the Croatian flag atop Knin Fortress is the symbol of Croatia's victory in the Homeland War," Medved said.
The minister stressed that Operation Storm was crucial in ending the war, enabling the liberation of most of the occupied territory and the re-establishment of the Republic of Croatia's territorial integrity. He recalled that the Croatian forces were led by the first Croatian President, Dr. Franjo Tuđman, and Croatian veterans.
"Storm was not just a military victory, but also a triumph of will, patriotism, and unwavering determination to win freedom," Medved stated, adding that the operation demonstrated the full strength and unity of the Croatian Army, police, all veterans, and the people at home and abroad.
The minister specifically addressed the families of fallen, missing, and deceased veterans, as well as all Croatian patriots. "On this day, we proudly remember all the military-police actions and operations that led to the final victory in the Homeland War, grateful to all who bravely stood in defense of the homeland, and especially to those who laid down their lives for our freedom and independence," he said.
Medved emphasized that a free and independent Croatia was not given, but won in blood and built on sacrifice. He said that the state and society continue to be built on the foundations of a glorious past, with the message: "Thank them for everything, we are free people..."
Reflecting on the strategic and statehood goals achieved since independence, the minister called for this anniversary to be marked by displaying national symbols. "Let the Croatian flags fly across our beautiful homeland in memory of days of pride and glory," Medved concluded in his message.
