Honorary and Protection Battalion Solemnly Celebrates 25th Anniversary of its Founding
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović attended a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Honorary and Protection Battalion’s founding, held today at the “1st Croatian Guards Corps” Barracks on Tuškanac.
The Honorary and Protection Battalion is a headquarters unit of the Croatian Armed Forces, responsible for the protection and security of the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces, as well as for carrying out honorary and ceremonial duties for the state and military leadership. The unit was established as part of the General Staff on 25 February 2000, and prior to that, it operated within the 1st Croatian Guards Corps.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Honorary and Protection Battalion’s founding, President Milanović, exercising his constitutional and legal authority, commended Sergeant Major Vlado Šoljić, a member of the Battalion, for successfully completing tasks and achieving outstanding results in their execution. Additionally, awards and commendations were presented to deserving members of the Battalion, and berets were awarded to new members.
In addition to President Milanović, the ceremony was attended by the Commander of the Honorary and Protection Battalion, Colonel Tihomir Zebec; the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid; the State Secretary at the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia, Branko Hrg; and numerous other guests. The event was enhanced by a performance from members of the Battalion’s Honorary Company, who, accompanied by the Orchestra of the Croatian Armed Forces, showcased a military acrobatic exercise.
President Milanović was accompanied by the Head of the Office of the President, Orsat Miljenić; the Head of the Cabinet of the President, Bartol Šimunić; Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defense, Ivica Olujić; Adviser to the President of the Republic for National Security, Dragan Lozančić; Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for Homeland War Veterans, Marijan Mareković; Commissioner of the President of the Republic for Sports, Tomislav Paškvalin; and the Head of the Military Office in the Cabinet for Defense and National Security of the Office of the President, Brigadier General Ivica Kranjčević.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta, Filip Glas