In Croatia, veterans and municipalities marked Victory Day and Homeland Gratitude Day. In the Municipality of Matulji, tribute was paid to fallen veterans by laying wreaths at the local cemetery. The ceremony encompassed Matulji and Mune, where citizens and associations paid respect to all who participated in the creation of the independent state.
Central state ceremonies were held in Knin on the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm. Representatives of the Association of Dubrovnik Veterans of the Croatian Navy, led by President Mato Barišić, participated in the observance of Croatian Veterans Day. Association members paid tribute to fallen and deceased veterans from the Dubrovnik area.
The Serbian flag was raised on the church of St. Ilija above Vitaljina in Montenegro. The location is outside the territory of the Republic of Croatia, so Croatian authorities have no authority to influence this decision. Montenegro is a sovereign state, and the mayor of the Municipality of Konavle, Božidar, was not named as the source of this decision.
The flag-raising on the day when Croatia celebrates victory has drawn reactions. This act is considered by many to be an unnecessary provocation. It does not contribute to building trust in the region, especially in the context of sensitive historical topics.
Raising the Croatian flag on Knin Fortress remains a symbol of victory in the Homeland War. This is the central act of the state observance of Victory Day and Homeland Gratitude Day. Veterans and citizens gathered at the ceremony to jointly celebrate this historical event.
