The sixth memorial bike ride, titled “Pave Vukelić – Pajo”, will be held on the route from Orahovica to Vukovar. The ride starts on Sunday, 8 November, at 07:45, with the gathering point located in front of the memorial to fallen Croatian defenders in the centre of Orahovica.
Participants and organisers were received today in a multi-purpose hall by a delegation from the City of Orahovica, led by the director of the Tourist Board, Marko Slavić. At the beginning of the reception, Vladimir Grgurić, head of the Organising Team, spoke about the five previous memorial rides, while Dražen Šafar, the initiator of the entire project, presented this year’s ride to the participants.
This year’s ride carries the symbolic working title “35 cyclists for 35 years of remembrance of Vukovar”. Šafar said that it is a ride of friendship, patriotism, love and respect. He emphasised that they wish to pay due respect to the Homeland War legend Pave Vukelić, the victims of the Hero City, and all fallen, deceased and missing members of the 132nd Brigade of the Croatian Army. Šafar expressed pride and happiness that this story has grown into such a large event.
Miroslav Milovuković, president of the UHBL PTSP VPŽ (Association of Croatian Veterans of the Homeland War, Primary School Vukovar), highlighted the importance of support from the Ministry of Croatian Veterans, which is the patron of the ride. He noted that the ride has been held for the third consecutive year as part of a UHBL PTSP VPŽ project, under the patronage of the Ministry of Croatian Veterans. Mirko Bušljeta, deputy chairman of the Veterans Committee, greeted those present on behalf of the committee, wishing participants a safe journey and thanking them for their strong turnout.
Marko Slavić, a representative of Mayor Milan Bapac, addressed the gathering. He congratulated and thanked Dražen Šafar for initiating this wonderful idea, and also thanked the Organising Team, led by Vladimir Grgurić and Miroslav Milovuković. Slavić stated that the City of Orahovica has stood by the organisers and will always do so.
Co-organisers of the memorial ride are the UHBL PTSP VPŽ, the Association of Croatian Volunteers of the Homeland War of Vukovar-Srijem County and the City of Vukovar. The patron is the Ministry of Croatian Veterans, while support for the organisation was provided by the City of Orahovica and veterans' associations: UHBDDR Duga Međa, the Association of the 81st Guard Battalion “Kumovi”, and the UHVDR 2nd Battalion 132th Brigade Orahovica.
