Members of the 2nd Mechanised Battalion 'Thunderbolts' of the Croatian Army's Guard Mechanised Brigade completed a walk from Petrinja to Novy Farkas. The walk was held in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the defence of Novy Farkas.
Around 200 'Thunderbolts' traversed the route from Petrinja to the memorial at the site of the 1991 victory. The route was more than 15km long, stretching from the home barracks of 'Colonel Predrag Matanović' to the memorial for fallen defenders in Novy Farkas. The 'Thunderbolts' were fully equipped with military gear and carried infantry weapons throughout the journey.
On 18 October 1991, one of the key battles of the Homeland War took place in Novy Farkas, on the right bank of the Kupa. Local residents and members of the 1st Infantry Battalion 'Black Mambas' of the 2nd Guard Brigade 'Thunderbolts' stood against a heavily armed and superior enemy, inflicting a heavy defeat.
The commander of the 2nd Mechanised Battalion 'Thunderbolts', Major Mirko Muhek, stated that the walk was not easy, but that all who set out from the barracks had reached the finish. He highlighted that this was nothing compared to what the 'Thunderbolts' had endured in 1991, defending the country from aggression. He added that they had prevented the aggressor's advance towards Zagreb and secured the area, which served as one of the foundations for the Operation Storm offensive. He stated that the battalion honours the legacy of its predecessors and will continue to do so forever.
Sergeant Matej Gugić stated that as a young recruit, he greatly valued the preservation of tradition. He saw his future in the military and wished to develop as a professional soldier, and one day as a commissioned officer. He said that such events were part of that journey, describing them as interesting, and noted that Croatian veterans shared stories of the war with them.
The 'Thunderbolts' were greeted at the end of their walk in Novy Fark by representatives of the Association of Veterans of the 2nd Guard Brigade 'Thunderbolts' and the Association of Veterans of the Homeland War 'Crni Mambesi' (Black Mambas). Veterans of the 'Thunderbolts' and their successors lit candles at the memorial dedicated to the fallen defenders.
