At the "Colonel Predrag Matanović" barracks in Petrinja on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the 36th anniversary of the formation of the 1st Guards Brigade "Tigrovi" and the 19th anniversary of the formation of the 1st Mechanised Battalion "Tigrovi" were solemnly marked. The commemoration began with a visit to the memorial room, after which the main ceremony was held on the parade ground.
Mirko Stošić, Brigadier General and Commander of the Guards Mechanised Brigade of the Croatian Ground Forces, reminded attendees of the great sacrifice of the members of the 1st Guards Brigade. He highlighted that freedom was paid for with the lives of 368 Croatian defenders, and that the remains of five members are still being sought. He sent a special message to the young soldiers who will receive the distinctive black berets of the Tigrovi, emphasising that the berets are not just part of the military uniform, but a symbol of honour, belonging, responsibility and legacy. "That beret is not given, but earned. In sun and rain, in mud, sweat and effort. Be worthy of the name you bear," Stošić said.
Tihomir Kastmiler, Captain and Commander of the 1st Mechanised Battalion "Tigrovi", stressed that marking such anniversaries is not just a ceremonial tradition, but a permanent reminder of the historical circumstances of the creation of the Croatian state and the sacrifice of all who laid down their lives for its freedom. He highlighted that the Tigrovi have been an example of combativeness, discipline and readiness to carry out the most demanding tasks throughout their history.
Magdalena Komes, Mayor of the City of Petrinja, attended the ceremony, where she sent congratulations to all members and veterans of the unit and expressed gratitude for their immeasurable contribution to the creation and defence of the Republic of Croatia. She highlighted their sacrifice and inextricable connection with Petrinja. "On behalf of all the women and men of the City of Petrinja, as mayor and in my personal name, I congratulate all the women and men of the 1st Guards Brigade Tigrovi and the 1st Mechanised Battalion Tigrovi on their 36th and 19th anniversaries respectively. I thank all the members who have passed through this legendary unit, and especially those who laid down their lives for our Homeland. I also wish to highlight the large number of women who were members of the Tigrovi and thank them for their contribution as well," Komes said. She specifically addressed the fate of the missing Croatian defenders, emphasising that finding their remains is a permanent obligation to them and their families, and expressed confidence that young generations will continue to nurture the values of their predecessors.
Mihael Jurić, Deputy County President of Sisak-Moslavina County, also attended the ceremony, where he highlighted the pride that this important component of the Croatian Army operates in the county's area. He stressed the County's readiness to continue cooperation and provide support to soldiers and their families to ensure them the best possible living conditions. The solemn commemoration continued with a holy mass in the military chapel "Saint Elijah the Prophet", followed by a joint gathering of the participants.
