The Croatian Officers' Corps of Vrbovec is organising a ceremonial observance of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of the Military-Police Operation Storm. The central event will take place on 5 August in Vrbovec under the title 'Victors to the City'. Alongside the Corps, the organisers include the Vrbovec town, the municipalities of Gradec, Dubrava, Farkaševac, Rakovec and Preseka, Zagreb County, and the company Komunalac d.o.o.
The programme begins at 08:00 with a Holy Mass for fallen and deceased Croatian veterans at the church of St. Vid. Following the liturgical service, a memorial procession will take place through the town streets at 09:00. The march proceeds from Trg Petra Zrinskoga (Petra Zrinskog Square) through the streets of Krste Frankopan, Poginulih branitelja (Fallen Veterans), Stjepan Radić and 7 May, before returning to Trg Petra Zrinskoga.
From 10:00, a commemoration for fallen and deceased veterans will be held at the 'Croatian Cube' (Hrvatska kocka) memorial. A special programme will begin at 11:00 under the tent near the town market, featuring addresses by guests, dignitaries, and the Mayor of Vrbovec. From 12:00 to 15:00, an entertainment programme will follow, including the distribution of military-style beans, with performances by the Tamburica Ensemble Zlatni vez.
The Croatian Officers' Corps of Vrbovec operates through six programme areas, including the observance of significant dates from the Homeland War, national holidays, officer training, and cooperation with other veterans' associations. The Corps conducts approximately 50 activities annually, with a membership of 63 permanent and associate members. Deputy President Sandi Knežević, a brigadier in retirement and former wartime commander of the 51st Independent Battalion of the Croatian Army (HV) Vrbovec, emphasises the importance of preserving memory.
The Corps is also active in education, holding lectures for final-year pupils at primary schools in the Vrbovec area. The lectures last two school hours and cover the causes of the Homeland War, battlefields, the most important operations, and the role of the 51st Independent Battalion. Pupils also participate in field trips marking the anniversary of Operation Orkan-91, and the Corps prepares quizzes on these topics.
