At the bathing spot they built with their own hands along the Korana and Mrežnica rivers, the young residents of Turanj are once again organizing the central celebration of the 31st anniversary of the end of the general danger for Karlovac.
At the beginning of August, Karlovac traditionally remembers the crucial moments of the Homeland War, but the celebration in Turanj carries special symbolism. At the very place where the city was defended, on Friday, August 7, 2026, the 31st anniversary of the end of the general danger will be marked. What sets this event apart from similar commemorations is the fact that the initiative came from the young people of this neighborhood, who, with their energy, spurred the entire community into action.
Nataša Lemić, president of the Naš Turanj association, recalled how it all began two years ago, in 2024, when the young people took the initiative to mark the anniversary of Operation Storm. "The young people here in Turanj spurred us on two years ago and made us act because they came up with the idea themselves to mark Operation Storm in Turanj, and they lit about 50 torches. Thanks to them, we started seriously thinking that Turanj deserves a proper celebration of Operation Storm," Lemić said for Karlovački.
It was precisely this spontaneous torchlight procession that served as the catalyst for the first grand celebration held last year, on the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm. "In the end, it turned into a great celebration, just as Operation Storm should be, because we should celebrate victory. And the young people were equally proud that it was their initiative that started it all," she added, emphasizing that the entire event was dedicated to the younger generations, with the goal of continuing the tradition in the years to come.
The contribution of the young people from Turanj did not remain limited to symbolic gestures. They used their own hands to renovate the neglected parts of their neighborhood. Bruno Golubić, secretary of the Naš Turanj association, described how they transformed the thicket along the Korana and Mrežnica rivers into a place where locals and tourists now gather.
"It was a large forest and thicket, but we put in the effort, we saw great potential in it, and we were really happy when we accomplished it," Golubić said. Their hard work has also been recognized by foreign visitors. "What is surprising, it's not just locals who come here, but we also see foreigners from France, Spain, Italy... People just pass by and discover this oasis," he added.
The synergy of youth and experience has resulted in strong cooperation with the Association of Veterans of the 110th Brigade. Slaven Vujnović, president of the Engineering Club of the 110th Brigade, admits that the energy of the younger generations has awakened them. "They made us, the old fogeys, get moving and finally start doing something, to get back to creation, not to lamenting," Vujnović said.
The veterans, who defended Turanj during the darkest days, emphasize the importance of celebrating freedom precisely on the rivers that were once the dividing line. "This is an important day for Karlovac when the general danger ended and we finally began to live freely. We must celebrate this day as freedom, so that we can have this bathing spot, so that we can have the Korana and Mrežnica, and so that we have a place to gather," Vujnović concluded, adding that the 110th Brigade will support this initiative as long as it exists.
This year's program in Turanj begins with a gathering at the bathing spot at 5:00 PM. At 6:00 PM, at the monument to the defenders, flowers will be laid and candles lit in honor of the fallen. The program continues at 7:00 PM at the bathing spot, where a special tribute will be paid to the fallen, and the event will be enriched by the KUD Turanj folklore society, poets Pejo Šimić and Đuro Vidmarović, and writer and radio host Damir Valent. Finally, with food and drinks, entertainment will be provided by Damir Biondić and Milan Prša. At 9:00 PM, the lighting of torches is planned.
Bruno Golubić also took this opportunity to send a message to his peers across the country: "I would like to encourage other young people to start thinking in this direction and to come together in the near future to do something great, something solemn for the people who defended our country."
