One of the most prominent military commanders of the Homeland War passed away at the age of 79, while an exhibition titled 'Where We Were in '91' opened in Pula on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the formation of wartime units.
On August 4, 2026, Colonel Milan Jurić, the first commander of the 117th Brigade of the Croatian Army, passed away at the age of 79. The news of his death was confirmed by the Croatian Officers' Association, emphasizing that he was one of the most distinguished military commanders of the Homeland War.
Jurić was a trained officer who was among the first to leave the JNA and place himself at the disposal of the Croatian Army. Given his exceptional knowledge of artillery and his role as chief of artillery for the Bjelovar Operational Zone, his contribution to the formation and management of artillery units was invaluable.
According to Podravski list, Jurić participated on numerous Croatian battlefields, particularly distinguishing himself in the battles near Novska and at Trokut, as well as in Operation Flash, where he demonstrated exceptional courage and military skill. For his contribution to the defense of Croatia, he was awarded several state decorations, and he remained active in the Homeland War until its end.
On Monday, August 4, 2026, the exhibition 'Where We Were in '91' was ceremoniously opened at the Croatian Veterans' Home in Pula, marking the 35th anniversary of the formation of wartime units in the Republic of Croatia. The opening was held as part of the celebration of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Veterans. Through documentary photography and archival material, the multimedia exhibition provides an authentic depiction of the events of 1991.
The exhibition was organized by the city branch of the Croatian Homeland War Veterans' Association of Pula, led by President Dragutin Prepušt, together with the Coordination of Homeland War Associations of Pula and the Museum of the Croatian Police. The event was supported by the Istria County, the City of Pula, Deputy Chief of the Istria Police Department Božo Kirin, and President of the Special Police Association Bak Istra, Mladen Blašković.
Those gathered were welcomed by Ivan Glušac, head of the Administrative Department of the Istrian County Prefect, who reminded that the largest mobilization was precisely in Istria and that the backbone of defense, formed by the Croatian police and army, must never be forgotten.
Pula's Mayor Peđa Grbin was particularly impressed by the tromblon launcher in the display of the Special Police Unit Bak Istra.
"We are not at the exhibition to celebrate war, but to celebrate peace, which would not exist without the people who gathered here at the Veterans' Home on this occasion", Grbin said, thanking the veterans for their effort and courage.
As part of the program, a panel discussion on the topic 'Formation of Units 1991-1992' and a Croatian Air Force panel 'From An to Rafale' were held. Testimonies were given by Branko Bošnjak and Marijan Mužinić, commanders of the 119th Brigade of the Croatian Army, Renato Kalac, deputy commander of the 154th Brigade, Vladimir Mikac and Željko Jelenić, commanders of the Pula Air Base, Damir Grgorović from the Special Police Unit Bak Istra, Karlo Godina from the special unit Vange, and Branko Kjurko and Denis Mikolić from the crisis headquarters.
Visitors can view the exhibition from August 3 to August 6, 2026, and the Istria Police Department notes that it will allow all interested parties to learn more about the historical events and personal experiences that marked the birth of the modern Croatian state.
