President Milanović at Croatian Defence Academy: Loyal partners and allies – yes, but nobody’s vassals or servants
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović attended today a ceremony marking the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Croatian Defence Academy. In his address at the event, the President of the Republic emphasized the importance of continuously adapting to new conditions and situations, as well as new requirements and circumstances.
President Milanović singled out opportunism and adaptability to new circumstances, without cynicism and corruption, as ingredients for the survival and progress of small nations and peoples. “Without opportunism, some would say selfishness, without adaptability to circumstances arising from the rhythm of events and decisions over which we have no influence, we put ourselves in danger of flying ‘like geese into fog’,” President Milanović told those present, adding that the decisions we make ultimately concern only us.
“Only we care about this country. (We should act) toward no one with malice, but with good will toward everyone, and above all always keeping in mind Croatia’s interest in circumstances that arose in spite of our will and beyond our control. Loyal partners and allies – yes! But, nobody’s vassals and nobody’s servants, none of us wants that. That is my choice and that is the country I see,” said the Croatian President.
“The task of every statesman is, above all, not to know or imagine what his country can do and what its limits are and what it is capable of, but to know the limits of its capabilities and how far it can take its resources, its people, its citizens – not imagining what you can do, but being aware of what you cannot,” President Milanović concluded, extending his Christmas and New Year greetings to everyone at the ceremony.
On the occasion of marking the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Croatian Defence Academy Day, the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović issued Decisions on Decorations, Promotions and Commendations, in accordance with his constitutional and legal powers.
Colonel Miro Čolić was decorated with the Order of Ban Jelačić for extraordinary successful command of units of the Croatian Armed Forces and for extraordinary military services in their organization and development. Sergeant Major Vlado Derdić and Sergeant Major Slobodan Sambol were decorated with the Order of the Croatian Trefoil for extraordinary services to the Republic of Croatia in a state of war and under special circumstances in peace.
For extraordinary contributions to the development and the reputation of the Republic of Croatia, as well as to the welfare of its citizens, Sergeant Major Damir Bakunić and Sergeant Major Miroslav Raštegorac were decorated with the Order of the Croatian Interlace.
Commander Darija Jurko and Lieutenant Colonel Tomislav Vacenovski were promoted to the rank of Captain/Colonel. Captain Rebeka Krušelj was promoted to the rank of Major. First Lieutenant Igor Turk was promoted to the rank of Captain. Second Lieutenants Danijel Ević, Nikolina Sertić and Ivan Šarec were promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant.
Colonel Valentina Ključarić received the Commendation of the Commander in Chief for achieving above-average results in the execution of duties.
At the anniversary ceremony, the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces was accompanied by the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Admiral Robert Hranj and Deputy Commander of the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Croatian Defence Academy Brigadier General Blaž Beretin, who congratulated all those who received decorations, promotions and commendations.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Dario Andrišek.