The heart of Istria was the stage for an impressive column of remembrance. Istrian County Prefect Boris Miletić highlighted the record mobilization response and said that in peacetime, one shows love for the homeland through work and paying taxes.
Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Croatian Veterans Day were marked on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Pula with the traditional gathering of those who stood in defense of the country. Despite extremely high temperatures, the 14th parade of veterans from the Istrian County attracted one of the largest processions since its inception.
The ceremonial column marched through the streets of Pula, with the Istrian County Prefect Boris Miletić, Pula Mayor Peđa Grbin, and Zdenko Požgain, who leads the Coordination of Associations Derived from the Homeland War at the county level, among the participants and at the head of the gathering.
Addressing those gathered, Prefect Miletić expressed gratitude to the veterans for their sacrifice and emphasized that the large turnout at this year's event testifies to lasting respect. He particularly highlighted the mobilization response in Istria, saying that it was the highest in that county, which speaks volumes about patriotism.
"This ceremonial parade in the largest Istrian city, which brings together veterans from all of Istria, best shows how much we owe it to honor the people who are no longer with us and who stood in defense of Croatia when it was needed. I especially want to point out that Istria had the highest mobilization response, which speaks of our patriotism, which we best express in this way," said Miletić.
He added that all war tasks assigned to Istrian units were completed without a single stain. Referring to the fact that the peninsula did not directly suffer from destruction, the Prefect added that Istria opened its doors wide to all refugees who had to leave their homes.
"Many of them, who chose Istria as their second home, are here among us, and together we are building one of the most beautiful regions in Europe. Together, we contribute to making Croatia even more developed," said Prefect Miletić.
He concluded his thoughts on the relationship with the state in different times: "When there is war, you defend the homeland with weapons, and in peacetime, you love the homeland by working, creating, and paying taxes to the state, and that is what we do in Istria."
Mayor Grbin congratulated those gathered on the holiday and emphasized that today we celebrate the achieved peace and freedom from the Homeland War.
Zdenko Požgain, on behalf of veteran associations, thanked the county and the city for their continuous support in organizing the parade. He placed emphasis on the need to preserve the memory of veterans and pass on the values of the Homeland War to those who come, highlighting the strength of unity.
