Jandroković: Operation Storm is the Cornerstone of Croatian Independence
Tributes Paid to Fallen Veterans in Karlovac and Pazin Ahead of Major Anniversary
Tributes Paid to Fallen Veterans in Karlovac and Pazin Ahead of Major Anniversary
On Tuesday, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm, emphasizing that this operation was the culmination of the defensive Homeland War and a historic turning point that led to the end of the war.
"This is a key historical watershed at which the Croatian people gained full capacity to independently shape their own path," Jandroković said in his message, adding that this day belongs to veterans and that we should remember all those who defended Croatia, especially thinking of the families of the fallen and missing, war veterans with disabilities, and all who made the greatest sacrifices for freedom.
Jandroković stated that with the passage of time, the scale of the military victories from the summer of 1995 is even clearer, achieved through the unity and sacrifice of veterans, under the leadership of the state leadership headed by the first president, Franjo Tuđman.
Great victories, as he said, also carry great responsibility, and freedom is most valuable when it is transformed into strength for the progress of the state. From these foundations emerged a modern, democratic, and internationally recognized Croatia, a member of the EU and NATO, and he called for the truth about the victory from the summer of 1995 to continue to serve as motivation for building Croatia on the basis of unity and creating opportunities for young people to stay in their homeland.
In Karlovac, at the Square of Croatian Veterans, representatives of numerous veterans' associations, families of fallen and missing Croatian veterans, and citizens gathered, laying a joint wreath, lighting candles, and offering prayers in front of the memorial. "This expressed deep gratitude and tribute to all those who built their lives into the foundations of a free and independent Republic of Croatia," said Karlovac veterans.
The commemoration continued at Turnj, a symbol of Karlovac's defense, where candles were lit in front of the monument bearing the names of fallen veterans by representatives of associations and citizens. The event was attended by the Prefect of Karlovac County, Martina Furdek Hajdin, and the Mayor of Karlovac, Damir Mandić, along with their teams.
At the municipal cemetery "Moj mir" in Pazin, ahead of the commemoration, wreaths were also laid and candles lit as a sign of gratitude and reverence for all Croatian veterans. Tributes were paid by delegations from the City of Pazin, led by Mayor Suzana Jašić, as well as representatives of associations from the Homeland War, anti-fascist associations, the Pazin Police Station, political parties, and other public bodies.
