At the event marking the Day of the City of Zadar, the monograph of the 5th Brigade of the Croatian Army 'S' was presented last night at the University of Zadar's Grand Hall. The work is a systematic, scientifically grounded, documentary, and rich depiction of the brigade's wartime path.
The launch was attended by the president of the Club of Commanders and Senior Officers of the Croatian Army's 5th 'S' Brigade, retired Lieutenant General Živko Budimir, members of the unit, parents of fallen defenders, and the wartime commander, retired Lieutenant General Ivan Kapular. Among the attendees were also retired Lieutenant General Mladen Fuzul and the editor-in-chief of the monograph.
Budimir highlighted that no monograph of Croatian Army units is as extensive as this one. Over 300 personnel participated in its creation, and it was assessed as an original scholarly work during the review process.
The 5th Brigade was established in Vinkovci, in the region of Slavonia, and from the very beginning was exposed to intense wartime destruction. It was formed on the basis of the 204th Vukovar Brigade, alongside defenders from Vinkovci and Nova Gradiška. At all times during the war, it had more than 3,000 active personnel. Shortly after its formation, the entire brigade moved to Maslenica, where it remained for five months, before moving to Bosnia and Herzegovina following the Washington Agreement.
The reviewer of the monograph was Ante Naz, Director of the Croatian Memorial Documentation Centre. He stated that this book provides the foundation for understanding the wartime defence and the liberation of occupied areas, not only in the Republic of Croatia but also in the areas where Croats live in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He added that the Serb side had publicly disclosed their six strategic points on 12 May 1992 in Banja Luka.
The rector of the University, Professor Josip Faričić, welcomed the attendees, speaking of the strategic importance of Zadar throughout history, including during the Homeland War. A significant part of the Zadar region had been occupied, devastated, and looted. The Mayor of Zadar, Šime Erlić, expressed gratitude for the contribution of the 5th 'S' Brigade to the Homeland War, particularly in the Zadar area.
