Operation Storm Opened Doors to Free Croatia

State leaders hoisted the flag on Knin’s castle, and the church bells were tolled to celebrate the freeing of Knin 13 years ago.

KNIN, CROATIA – Victory Day, Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Croatian Defenders Day and the 13th anniversary of the Operation Storm, in which Knin and large part of the occupied territory was freed, are celebrated today in Knin. The ceremony is attended by the representatives of the Croatian parliament and cabinet Luka Bebic and PM Ivo Sanader, the delegation of the Croatian Presidency and by the head of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General, Josip Lucic. 

The ceremony started with the laying of wreaths and the lighting of candles in Knin’s City Cemetery.

After that, the state and military leaders hoisted the flag on Knin’s castle, followed by the tolling of the church bell, which symbolises the liberation of Knin and the access of the Croatian Army in the city. With a minute of silence they paid tribute to all Croatian defenders who lost their lives for the liberation of their homeland.

- Defenders today have the gratitude of whole Croatia, gratitude for your courage and victory. The Operation Storm opened the doors to free Croatia – said Deputy PM Jadranka Kosor.

- We defended what is ours and we will never allow anyone to change the truth. We must clearly say that the war was a result of Greater Serbia policy, and the motivation of our defenders was the defence of the Croatian country – said Kosor.

1,500 Croatian defenders took part in the ceremonial march, and they carried flags of all military units of the Croatian War of Independence.

At 12 o’clock, in the Church of Saint Anthony, the Sibenik bishop Ante Ivas will hold a service for the Homeland. The celebration will end with a ceremonial concert organised by the City of Knin and the Croatian Television.