Krk Veterans Celebrate Operation Storm in Gorička
The island of Krk hosted the central ceremony marking the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm, featuring a Mass, wreath-laying, and remarks by commanders.
The island of Krk hosted the central ceremony marking the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm, featuring a Mass, wreath-laying, and remarks by commanders.
Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm were marked on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, with a series of ceremonial events on the island of Krk. At the Shrine of Our Lady of Gorička near Batomlje, attended by approximately two hundred people, the island's central commemoration for fallen and deceased Croatian veterans was held, during which a Mass was celebrated.
The celebration began with the laying of wreaths and the lighting of candles at the monument to Croatian veterans in Baška, as well as at other memorials across the island. Brigadier General (ret.) Miljenko Balen, commander of the 138th Brigade of the Croatian Army, arrived in Baška; veterans from Krk served in this brigade on the Lika front.
General Balen emphasized his particular wish to be on Krk for the anniversary and recalled the time when the Krk Battalion joined his brigade. "The battalion from Krk joined us in 1994, at a very opportune moment. I knew they were already battle-hardened fighters with experience from the 111th Brigade, from which they came to us," said Balen.
He stressed that these men proved themselves through their work and actions. "Within our brigade, we had Gorani, Ličani, Boduli, and Primorci, and together we went through the Flash and Storm operations, which we carried out very well, and we can be proud of that. The Boduli showed their character, pride, and readiness to serve the homeland in those operations," said the retired general.
The Mass in the packed shrine was led by the Bishop of Krk, Ivica Petanjak, who in his homily stressed that Victory Day is not merely a remembrance of military success. "Through our faith and prayer, we wish to thank the Lord for our homeland, for the veterans who invested their lives in it, and for all those who daily contribute, through their way of life, honest work, and behavior, to moving this country forward. We are aware of our weaknesses and sins, and that things can always be better and more," said Bishop Petanjak.
This traditional gathering was organized by the Association of Croatian Homeland War Veterans of the Island of Krk, with support from all seven island local government units. Over the years, the event has grown into the island's central celebration, annually bringing together a large number of veterans and citizens in a shared tribute.
Goran Frgačić, president of the UVDR of the island of Krk and commander of the Krk Battalion within the 138th Brigade, recalled the wartime journey of the island's volunteers. "The first volunteer fighters from the island of Krk went to war in 1991, and we were attached to the 111th Brigade. As soon as we arrived at the front, we had our baptism of fire; the company on the line had many wounded," Frgačić recounted.
Describing the early days on the battlefield, he did not hide the human side of war. "We were afraid, because anyone who isn't afraid of war isn't normal. Many couldn't handle it and returned, which is not something to hold against them, but most of us adapted and stayed on the battlefields until the end of the war. We did the job properly," Frgačić concluded.
The celebration of this significant national holiday continued with additional programs, and the day before, on Monday, August 4, the traditional torchlight procession was held at the Krk Bridge, paying tribute to Croatian veterans and the victory in the Homeland War.
