Protocol Changes in Knin Due to High Temperatures
Dress rehearsal held at Knin Fortress ahead of the central celebration of the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm. Organizers say everything is ready for tomorrow's big day.
Dress rehearsal held at Knin Fortress ahead of the central celebration of the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm. Organizers say everything is ready for tomorrow's big day.
On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Knin was the center of final preparations for the main commemoration of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm. A dress rehearsal of the ceremonial program was held at Knin Fortress, and the sky above the city was crossed by the sounds of Rafale fighter jets. Organizers confirmed that the protocol has been adjusted due to the forecast high temperatures.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Croatian Veterans Darko Nekić stated after the rehearsal that all plans have been realized. "Everything we planned, we have achieved; everything is ready for tomorrow's celebration," Nekić said. More than two thousand people will participate in the central celebration, not counting citizens coming to Knin on their own.
Due to the forecast heatwave, organizers have decided to move the mass to an earlier time. It will be held at 7:30 AM, significantly earlier than in previous years, to allow all participants and visitors to take part in the program more safely. Brigadier General Željko Ljubas was also among the participants of the dress rehearsal, confirming that all details of the military program have been coordinated.
One of the most emotional parts of the commemoration will again be the raising of the Croatian flag at Knin Fortress. Members of the families of fallen and missing Croatian veterans will once again have the honor of raising the flag at the place that became a symbol of victory in 1995.
Otto Farkaš, a member of the Association of Parents of Fallen Veterans, did not hide his emotions. "Today I am overwhelmed with emotions-sadness, but also memories and pride that I have been chosen to raise the Croatian flag," Farkaš said.
Ivana Klarić Kukuz, daughter of a fallen Croatian veteran, emphasized that feelings are hard to put into words. "Feelings cannot be described; they can only be experienced," she said, adding: "Today it's normal for all feelings to mix; today they are within us, and let them be."
Ministry of Interior officer Danijela Ćevra reminded of the complexity of emotions accompanying this date. "The feelings are joy, happiness, pride, but in those days there was also sadness because Vukovar was still occupied," Ćevra said, emphasizing how difficult the path to a fully free Croatia was.
State Secretary Nekić dismissed claims that Knin remains in focus only during the anniversary. "Knin is not forgotten," he said, noting that the Croatian Government, together with the Šibenik-Knin County, is implementing numerous projects in the city. Therefore, the central ceremony is not only a remembrance of a military success but also an opportunity to discuss modern Knin and its progress.
The ceremonial program will not end with the protocol part. The finale of the commemoration is scheduled for the evening hours with a concert on the main city square, ensuring that Knin will live throughout the day in the spirit of Operation Storm, veterans, and the Croatian victory.
