Split began its two-day commemoration of the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm. The morning was marked by remembrance for fallen defenders, with a parade and concert to follow this evening.
In Split, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the commemoration of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation "Storm" began. The morning program was marked by paying tribute to the fallen, while the central visual moment was the unfurling of a 22-meter Croatian flag from the facade of the City Administration building, known as Banovina.
The commemoration began at 8:30 AM with the laying of wreaths at the Lovrinac city cemetery. Tribute was paid at the Croatian Veterans Cemetery, followed by a ceremony at the memorial dedicated to fallen Bosniak-Muslim defenders of the Homeland War. Two hours later, at 10 AM, flowers were laid at the monument in the Croatian Veterans Park, located on Knez Branimir Embankment.
The event was attended by officials from the City of Split, the Split-Dalmatia County, and the City Council, along with representatives of veterans' associations and a large number of citizens. The flag on Banovina was displayed as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance for all those who contributed to the creation of an independent Croatia.
Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Blaženko Boban addressed those gathered, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who dreamed of an independent state and gave their lives for it.
"Today we celebrate Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day. How many dreamed that dream and thought of nothing else but creating an independent Croatia. I, you, and every citizen of this country should ask ourselves whether we are grateful enough for what they made possible, for what was historically achieved under the leadership of the first Croatian President, Dr. Franjo Tuđman," Boban said.
He also reflected on the country's current position, highlighting its progress and membership in key international bodies, from the European Union to the United Nations. However, he also emphasized the personal dimension of responsibility.
"On a personal level, each of us in our own workplace should contribute to the development of Croatia, primarily out of respect for the historical sacrifice of the Croatian people in creating an independent Croatia. Happy holiday to everyone," the Prefect concluded.
Igor Stanišić, President of the Split City Council, extended congratulations to veterans and remembered those who did not live to see this day.
"In 24 hours, a miracle happened. I would say that over the past 30-odd years, we have also performed a miracle. From nothing, we reached the point of having one of the most respected passports in the world. That is a great success," Stanišić stated.
He added that no country is without challenges, but they should be addressed through joint efforts.
"Today is a holiday, so let us remember all those who are no longer with us and who gave their lives for our centuries-old dream. Happy holiday to everyone," he said.
Mayor Tomislav Šuta congratulated all residents of Split and all of Croatia on the holiday.
"We remember all Croatian veterans who gave their lives for our freedom and democracy, but also all veterans who are here with us today, who with their courage and determination showed how to fight for one's homeland. The dream that was dreamed for centuries has finally been realized," Šuta said.
He also stressed the responsibility of today's generations to preserve the foundations for which Croatian veterans fought.
"It is up to us to build the values of democracy, inclusiveness, and a state without divisions, a state that will provide everyone with equal opportunities to live in peace, freedom, and democracy, and to preserve the values and foundations for which Croatian veterans fought," the Mayor said.
The program continues in the evening hours. At 7 PM, a thanksgiving Mass will be held at the Church of Our Lady of Health. An hour later, at 8 PM, a parade of Croatian veterans with war flags will set off from Gaje Bulat Square. The column will be accompanied by the brass band of the Croatian Cultural Society "Stjepan Radić" and the Majorettes of the City of Split, with the route leading along Marmontova Street, King Tomislav Street, and Hrvojeva Street to the final destination on the Riva.
On the Croatian National Revival Embankment, the program begins at 8:30 PM, and at 9 PM the Revue Orchestra will perform a program titled "To the Homeland with Love."
The commemoration continues on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. At 9:30 PM, Prljavo Kazalište will hold a concert on the Riva, and the grand finale of the two-day celebration is scheduled for 10:30 PM, when fireworks will be launched from the Gate of St. Nicholas.
