Termites Send a Message: Veterans' Unity Must Remain Above Divisions
Members of the 84th Guards Battalion 'Termites' warn that time is taking its toll among veterans and call for preserving unity and passing on experiences to younger generations.
Members of the 84th Guards Battalion 'Termites' warn that time is taking its toll among veterans and call for preserving unity and passing on experiences to younger generations.
Members of the 84th Guards Battalion "Termites" issued a message on August 12, 2026, following this year's commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the military-police operations. In a post titled "Termites in Peace, Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow," they reflected on days of pride and sorrow, emphasizing that for veterans, remembrance does not end with ceremonial dates.
"Every day, there are fewer of us," they said from this guards battalion, noting that the natural course of life is taking its toll among those who stood to defend Croatia in the early 1990s. Many of them carry experiences dating back to 1991, and this year's gathering was an opportunity to speak again, after more than three decades, about what they endured.
The Termites made it clear that they never wanted to be part of daily politics more than politics was with them. Nevertheless, they believe that veterans' unity must remain above all divisions. "We must maintain unity," is one of their key messages, stressing the importance of solidarity among comrades at a time when their numbers are dwindling.
They also emphasized that the association will continue its activities in accordance with regulations pertaining to veterans' organizations. Their primary motivation is their fallen members and preserving the memory of their immense contribution to the creation of the independent Republic of Croatia.
A special place in their message is reserved for family. According to the Termites' message, family and passing on values to younger generations are crucial for what veterans should leave behind after their wartime experiences. In conclusion, they paid tribute to all Croatian veterans and civilians who were killed, went missing, or died.
This message from the veterans' association comes at a time when Croatian society is increasingly realizing that the living testimonies of Homeland War participants are becoming ever more precious. Veterans are aging, the number of their comrades is declining, and with it, personal memories that cannot be preserved solely through monuments and dates are disappearing. For Croatia to preserve its history, it must pass it on to generations that did not experience the war, while those who can tell it firsthand are still alive.
