Croatia marked Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Croatian Veterans Day on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, with a series of ceremonies across the country. The programmes included parades, wreath-laying and tributes to fallen veterans, with particular attention paid to preserving the memory of victories in the Homeland War.
Ceremonies were held in Glinska Poljana and Slana with the presence of the president of the City Council of the City of Petrinja, Marin Barić. In Glinska Poljana, the programme began with a tribute to Croatian veterans and civilian victims of the Homeland War. In Slana, a tribute was paid to fallen Croatian veterans at Trg 144. Brigade Hrvatske vojske Sesvete (Square of the 144th Brigade of the Croatian Army Sesvete), with special emphasis placed on the memory of fallen veteran Dražen Horvat.
A traditional parade was held in Knin, where citizens marked the 31st anniversary of the Military-Police Operation 'Storm'. The initiative to launch this event came a few years ago from Croatian veterans from the ranks of Torcida. The aim of the parade is to pay tribute to veterans and preserve the memory of historical victories.
The 14th traditional parade of Croatian veterans of Istria County was held in Pula. Despite exceptionally high temperatures, turnout by participants was one of the highest to date. Istria County Prefect Boris Miletić thanked participants for their presence and veterans for their contribution.
In Jastrebarsko, Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day was marked by laying a wreath and lighting candles at the memorial 'Innocent Suffering of Croatian Victims of All'. The ceremonies highlighted the importance of remembering all war victims.
