In the town of Križevci, final preparations are underway for the installation of military exhibits, with the official opening of the memorial park featuring heavy weaponry planned for 17 September. This event fits into a broader programme marking Veterans' Day, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the liberation of local military facilities. The project, which has earned the nickname "Katanović's tank" in public discourse, has sparked division among residents, yet the local authorities, led by Mayor Tomislav Katanović, remain firmly behind their decision.
The project has received official approval, and Mayor Tomislav Katanović emphasised that it is intended to attract visitors, comparing it to the model of the Homeland War Museum in Karlovac. According to official information, the cost of installing and landscaping the exhibits amounts to 93,000 euros. The mayor views the old weaponry as a new attraction that should enrich the town's offerings, despite critical voices from the public.
Critics of the project, including local political parties, argue that heavy military mechanisation is unsuitable for an urban environment. They believe that the exhibits, described as historical artefacts, should be relocated to a site further away from schools and nurseries to avoid potential psychological impacts on children. Despite these objections, proponents of the project stress that the exhibits serve as a permanent reminder of history and as an educational zone for younger generations, thereby justifying their placement in the town centre.
The official opening of the memorial park with military exhibits is scheduled for 17 September at 18:45, marking the culmination of preparations that have lasted several weeks. Prior to this, at 17:15, a central celebration with wreath-laying and official protocol will take place, marking the 35th anniversary of the liberation of military facilities in Križevci. This event represents an important moment for the local community, but also a challenge for managing public space and sensitivity towards differing views among citizens.
