Flag Flies Over the Wooden Bridge
Croatia marks the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Oluja with a ceremonial program in Sinj and the symbolic raising of the flag in Karlovac, paying tribute to fallen defenders.
Croatia marks the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Oluja with a ceremonial program in Sinj and the symbolic raising of the flag in Karlovac, paying tribute to fallen defenders.
Across Croatia, commemorations have begun for the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation "Oluja," Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, and Croatian Defenders Day. Central events are being held in Sinj and Karlovac, where citizens and officials remember the sacrifice and celebrate the freedom won in the Homeland War.
On Victory Day itself, August 4, 2026, members of the Karlovac City Public Fire Brigade raised the Croatian flag on the Wooden Bridge over the Korana River. This act, which has become traditional, carries a powerful message of gratitude.
The City of Karlovac stated that the flag on the Wooden Bridge is "a symbol of remembrance of the strength, unity, and courage of Croatian defenders to whom Croatia owes its freedom." They also sent a touching message: "To those who did not return to their families, eternal honor, thanks, and may the Croatian earth be light."
The City of Sinj has prepared a rich program for August 5, 2026. The commemoration will begin at 8:45 AM with the laying of wreaths and lighting of candles in front of the bust of wartime Defense Minister Gojko Šušak at Gojko Šušak Square.
The program continues at 9:10 AM with a tribute at the Memorial to fallen Croatian defenders in the Homeland War, located in the Croatian Defenders Memorial Park, in front of the City Administration building. At 9:45 AM, wreaths will also be laid in front of the bust of the first Croatian President, Dr. Franjo Tuđman, at the square bearing his name.
The highlight of the commemoration in Sinj will be the Holy Mass for the Homeland and all Croatian defenders. It will be held at 10 AM in the Basilica of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj.
The Mayor of Sinj, Miro Bulj, has invited all citizens, defenders and their families, members of associations stemming from the Homeland War, and representatives of institutions to join the commemoration. The City of Sinj stated: "This is an opportunity to remember with pride and gratitude all fallen, missing, and deceased Croatian defenders and all participants in the victorious operation Oluja, whose courage and sacrifice made possible the freedom we live today."
