The 35th anniversary of the defence of the Paški bridge was solemnly marked, with the central event held on the bridge itself, where torches were lit. The ceremony was honoured by a flyover from members of the Croatian Air Force aerobatic team, “Krila Oluje”.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović stated on the occasion that unity is one of the most important lessons of the Homeland War, and that it is now everyone’s responsibility to preserve what binds Croats together. He recalled that the Paški bridge was a key transport link between the northern and southern parts of Croatia in 1991.
“Thirty-five years ago, you saved the bridge that connected Croatia. Our responsibility today is to preserve what binds Croats together,” Božinović emphasised. He specifically thanked Croatian veterans and police officers who participated in the defence of the Paški bridge.
He stressed that it was not just the bridge that was defended, but the connectivity of Croatia and the right of the Croatian people to their own future. He also warned about the sharpness of public debates and the importance of mutual respect.
“Patriotism does not mean that we must all think the same. It means that, despite differences, we recognise in one another people for whom Croatia is equally important,” Božinović said. He also highlighted that trust in institutions must be earned through work and responsibility.
Božinović concluded that Croatia, despite its alliances in the EU and NATO, must continue to strengthen its own security and resilience. “Croatia is strong enough that we can think differently within it, and it is important enough to us that we know what binds us together,” he said.
