A solemn programme at the Paški most bridge and an academic ceremony at the House of Culture in Pag marked the 35th anniversary of the defence of the Paški most bridge, one of the key events of the Homeland War in the Zadar region. On 8 November 1991, Croatian defenders repelled an attack by the then-Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and preserved one of the most important transport links between the northern and southern parts of Croatia.
The programme began with a commemoration at the Paški most bridge, where wreaths were laid and candles lit to honour the fallen, missing and deceased Croatian defenders. Tributes were paid by state, county and local delegations, as well as representatives of veterans' associations. A prayer of liberation was led by military chaplain Father Ivo Topalović, while attendees watched a flyover by the Croatian Air Force aerobatic team 'Krila oluje'.
A special part of the programme was the laying of the foundation stone for a future tourist-memorial park at the Paški most bridge, jointly performed by Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović, Zadar County President Josip Bilaver and Mayor of Pag Stipe Žunić. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović, as the envoy of the President of the Croatian Parliament and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, and Brigadier Davor Gren as the envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia. Among those present were County President Josip Bilaver, Mayor of Pag Stipe Žunić and numerous representatives of state and local institutions.
The programme continued with a solemn academic ceremony at the House of Culture in Pag, dedicated to the historical importance of the defence of the Paški most bridge. County President Bilaver thanked Croatian defenders for their bravery and sacrifice, highlighting that they stood up to a far superior enemy with scarce weaponry and, through determination and unity, prevented Croatia from being cut in two. He also recalled the numerous important anniversaries of the Homeland War being marked these days, from the defence of Zadar and Pag to the upcoming anniversaries of the tragedies in Vukovar, Škabrnja, Nadin and other places, emphasising that it is thanks to the defenders that it is possible to live in a free and independent Croatia today.
Bilaver announced a project to preserve the memory of the Homeland War being prepared in Zadar, stating that work is underway to establish a permanent exhibition of the Homeland War Museum in Zadar, where the defence of Pag and the Paški most bridge will have their place. On behalf of the defenders of the Paški most bridge, Ante Čepulo addressed the gathering, recalling the organisation of the defence of the island of Pag, the participation of defensive units and the population, and the importance of joint action in wartime conditions.
Mayor Stipe Žunić emphasised that the defence of the Paški most bridge has special significance for generations born during the Homeland War, noting that the bridge remains a symbol of the unity of people of different professions and regions gathered around the same goal – the defence of their homes and homeland. He specifically thanked the Croatian police, soldiers and volunteers who participated in the defence. Retired General Zvonko Sesar, President of the Assembly of Associations of Croatian War Veterans, and Minister Božinović, who attended the academic ceremony as the envoy of the President of the Croatian Parliament and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, also addressed the gathering.
As part of the academic ceremony, letters of appreciation from the City of Pag and the Assembly of Associations of Croatian War Veterans were awarded to the units that participated in the defence of the Paški most bridge. Awards were given to the Independent Detachment Pag, and the letter of appreciation on behalf of that unit was received by Mladen Š.
