As Knin Finalizes Last Preparations for the Central Celebration of the 31st Anniversary of Operation Storm, Citizens Share Their Plans, From Concerts and Parties to Quiet Remembrance and a Working Day.
Tomorrow's Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Croatian Veterans Day will be marked by Croats in various ways, from attending Marko Perković Thompson's concert in Šibenik to quietly remembering fallen veterans. While final preparations for the central state celebration are being completed in Knin, citizens reveal in the "We Ask You" section how they intend to spend August 5, 2026.
In Knin, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the final preparations and dress rehearsals for tomorrow's celebration of the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm were completed. Throughout the day, final details of the ceremonial program were rehearsed on Knin's streets and around the Fortress, and organizers also carried out the last technical checks to ensure the commemoration goes without a hitch.
The celebration is expected to be attended by the state leadership, Croatian veterans, members of the Armed Forces, police, and numerous citizens from all parts of Croatia. Due to the announced heatwave and very high temperatures, some Knin residents have decided to follow the ceremony from their homes via television broadcast, but despite the heat, a large number of visitors is expected.
The central ceremony will begin at 9:40 AM at the NK Dinara stadium and Knin Fortress, where the Croatian flag will traditionally be raised. After that, members of the Croatian Army and Police will showcase their capabilities, and the program will conclude with an impressive aerial display featuring Rafale fighter jets.
Let us recall that on August 5, 1995, Croatian defenders liberated Knin, the seat of the Greater Serbian rebellion. In just 84 hours of Operation Storm, more than 10,000 square kilometers of occupied territory were liberated, thereby bringing a large part of Croatian territory back under government control in August 1995.
In the "We Ask You" section, citizens shared their plans for tomorrow. Goran revealed how he will spend Victory Day with music and socializing: "At Thompson's concert in Šibenik, and then at a party in Vodice."
Miroslav, on the other hand, will mark the day in silence and remembrance: "Modestly, in thoughts with those who are no longer here, who, selflessly giving their lives, won freedom for our only Croatia."
Jasenka said she will spend the day working, but with thoughts focused on the fallen: "Mowing grass, weeding the garden, and ironing laundry. Just another day. In my thoughts, may they rest in peace, thank them!" Zdravko thinks similarly: "Working as always, but the flag will be flying."
The different ways of marking the day reflect the breadth of feelings towards this national holiday, from festive participation in public events to personal, quiet piety towards those who gave their lives for Croatia's freedom.
