A solemn commemoration of Victory, Homeland Gratitude and Croatian Veterans Day was held in Pleternica. The central part of the programme included the laying of wreaths and the lighting of lanterns in front of the memorial, paying tribute to all fallen and deceased veterans, as well as those who went missing during the Homeland War.
A large crowd attended the tribute, including a city delegation from the Association of Volunteers and Veterans of the Homeland War. The significance of the event was underscored by the presence of parents and family members of missing, fallen and deceased veterans, demonstrating special regard for the war's victims.
Alongside veterans' associations, representatives from political and security life were present at the ceremony. The delegation from the City of Pleternica was led by the President of the City Council, Domagoj Katić, accompanied by representatives from the Homeland Movement and the City Committee of the Croatian Democratic Union. A delegation from the local Police Station also attended.
The appropriate prayer was led by parish vicar Ivan Klarić, who, together with those present, called for peace and gratitude. In the ensuing speech, retired Major Mario Kalan reminded the assembly of key wartime events linked to 4 August 1995.
Kalan highlighted that Operation "Storm" began at 5am on that day. The military operation resulted in the liberation of more than 10,500 square kilometres of temporarily occupied territory during the Greater Serbian aggression. By the second day of the operation, the historic Croatian royal city of Knin had been liberated, marking a turning point in the defence of the state.
