President Milanović: The Croatian Army emanates from the Croatian people and is one of Croatia’s foundations
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović attended a ceremony at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, held on the occasion of Croatian Armed Forces Day, Croatian Army Day and the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Croatian National Guard.
Promotions, medals, commendations and awards were presented to the members of the armed forces at the ceremony marking Croatian Armed Forces Day, Croatian Army Day and the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Croatian National Guard.
“I would like to especially address those of you who are being promoted to higher ranks today and who have been awarded,” said President Milanović in his address, congratulating the members for receiving awards and promotions on the 30th anniversary of the Croatian Army. “It is usually said on such occasions, but not without reason, that this rewards and obliges at the same time, especially those who have been promoted or will be promoted to the rank of colonel in the Croatian Army,” the President said. He added that this is a special honour, a high rank that should be viewed in such a way, while building ambitions and aiming higher based on this. “Be fair and professional, because that’s how you earned your ranks – by work, commitment and knowledge,” President Milanović told the soldiers.
The President of the Republic commented on the creation of the Croatian state and army, emphasizing that in recent history no European state or nation had experienced what Croatia had experienced recently. He said that the Croatian Army is one of the most important pillars of society. “The Croatian Army emanates from the Croatian people, it is one of the foundations of the Croatian state, something that is most sacred to us – most sacred to me – and it can rest assured and remain confident because the Croatian Army is protecting it,” President Milanović concluded.
Also speaking at the event apart from the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces were the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Admiral Robert Hranj, Minister of Defense Mario Banožić, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković.
Speaking on behalf of everyone who received promotions, awards and commendations, the Deputy Commander of the Croatian Army Major General Tihomir Kundid extended words of gratitude.
Alongside President Milanović were the Head of the Office of the President of the Republic Orsat Miljenić, Head of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic Bartol Šimunić, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defense and National Security Dragan Lozančić and Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Homeland War Veterans Marijan Mareković.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta