Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić 5 August 2018 in Knin attended the celebration of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian War Veterans Day and the 23rd anniversary of Operation Storm.
The ceremony was attended by the highest state and military officials, including President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, ministers, Chief of General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Mirko Šundov, Israeli and U.S. delegations, MPs, foreign military envoys accredited to Croatia, members of the Croatian Armed Forces, Operation Storm participants and numerous Croatian veterans.
In the Knin Fortress, where 23 years ago Croatian flag was proudly hoisted to mark the victorious advancement of Croatian army in then-biggest military operation of homeland liberation, congratulation and gratitude to Croatian defenders was extended on behalf of the Croatian Government by PM Andrej Plenković, who underlined that it was thanks to our unity that we had defended and liberated the country and that therefore the unison, sacrifice and perseverance of Croatian defenders should motivate us today still. He stressed that Croatia advocated cooperation and good-neighbourly relations, but that they should be founded on a responsible dealing with the past and the truth. He underscored the importance of modernizing the Croatian army and police, adding that the decision to procure F-16 fighter jets was a strategic project that would contribute to an even better response to the security challenges of the future, welcoming the Israeli and U.S. partners in attendance of this year’s celebration. “May the importance of the Homeland War, patriotism, determination and optimism be an inspiration for the future – that will be the best monument to all those who build Croatia’s freedom,” Plenković said.
This year’s celebration was enhanced by two Israeli F-16 Barak fighter jets, which in formation with two Croatian MiG 21s flew over the Knin Fortress.
On 4 August, Pejčinović Burić attended a reception for the Homeland War war commanders, held in the Knin Fortress. On that occasion, President Grabar-Kitarović bestowed high state decorations on retired generals Ante Gotovina and Mladen Markač for their exceptional contribution to Croatia’s independence and integrity, the creation of a war strategy and a military doctrine during the Homeland War and their successful efforts in building and commanding the Croatian Armed Forces.