President Milanović at Armed Forces Day reception: Croatia is in a more favourable situation than its neighbours and will be stronger and stronger
“In the past several years we have witnessed major changes occurring before our eyes. We are aware of them and understand them to a certain extent, but not fully. We are a small country whose path was unique, no other European Union member state has had such a path. Our experience teaches us to be smart, prudent and cautious. I advocate and will continue advocating common sense, cooperation, but also skepticism about big words that concern important things and events. What is important to us is to organize life in the country in which we live, which we build and protect, and which is the only country we have and the only one we care about,” the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović stated at an official reception on the occasion of Croatian Armed Forces Day – Croatian Army Day and the 32nd anniversary of the formation of the Croatian Army.
In addressing the gathering, President Milanović talked about relations with neighbouring countries saying we can’t choose or change them. “With our neighbours we should try to develop, in good faith, the best possible relations. We have to respect them, sometimes be tolerant and lenient, and be aware of Croatia’s situation in relation to them – and that situation is better, not superior, not overpowering, not haughty, but simply more favourable”, he noted. He finished by saying that we should stay one’s own master, on our territory and in our heads”. He is confident that our country “from year to year will be stronger and stronger, more independent, but never shut itself off completely”.
At the official reception held in the Office of the President of the Republic, President Milanović conferred decorations, promotions and commendations on members of the Croatian Armed Forces. For demonstrated prowess and valour in the Homeland War the Order of Duke Domagoj with Ribbon is conferred on Colonel Ivica Kranjčević. For a heroic act in the Homeland War the Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski is conferred on Lieutenant Colonel Željko Javorović and Sergeant Major Dario Vukošić.For outstanding merit for the Republic of Croatia in war and extraordinary circumstances in peace the Order of the Croatian Trefoil is conferred on Sergeant Major Miroslav Knebl.
For outstanding contribution to the development and standing of the Republic of Croatia and the well-being of its citizens the Order of the Croatian Interlace is conferred on: Lieutenant Colonel Tonći Aračić, Commander Srđan Bilić, Lieutenant Colonel Josip Granić, Commander Robert Radić, Lieutenant Colonel Sandra Zorica, Lieutenant Commander Tomislav Jadrić, Lieutenant Commander Alen Marić, Captain Dominik Jerinić, Sergeant Major Mirjana Magić, Sergeant Major Davor Pavlović, Master Sergeant Željko Hrabar, Master Sergeant Miroslav Križanović, Sergeant First Class Žan Marsel Bušić, Staff Sergeant Dražen Petrinec, Sergeant Military Specialist Zoran Baković and civil servant Nikola Marović.
Eight Lieutenant Colonels, including two women and six men, are promoted to the rank of Colonel: Petar Čulo, Milko Ignac, Renato Paradi, Joso Šarlija, Ivica Teklić, Vinka Teklić, Tanja Topol and Dragutin Tušek.
A total of twelve first officer’s ranks are conferred on CAF members, i.e. the rank of Second Lieutenant is conferred on twelve CAF members including six women and six men. Six CAF members receive commendations. For outstanding above-average results in carrying out assigned tasks, commendations of the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief are given to: Colonel Dražen Batrnek, Major Marijan Žukina, Master Sergeant Snježana Grčić, Master Sergeant Vesna Kunović, Master Sergeant Ivica Marušić and Sergeant First Class Radovil Vekić.
Colonel Ivica Kranjčević gave a thank you speech on behalf of the decorated, promoted and commended members of the Croatian Armed Forces. His speech highlighted that recognition for one’s work gives a sense of value, pride and joy to each person that invested knowledge, abilities and efforts. “Recognition and commendation touch the subjective part of our personality, bringing us closer to the objective part that reflects what we should be. Success and recognition serve as strong motivation to continue our dedicated work”, he noted.
Attending the reception in the Office of the President were the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Admiral Robert Hranj, the Deputy Chief of the GS of the CAF Lieutenant Colonel Siniša Jurković, Commander of the Croatian Army Lieutenant General Boris Šerić, Commander of the Croatian Navy Rear Admiral Ivo Raffanelli, Commander of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defense Brigadier General Michael Križanec, Commander of Support Command Lieutenant General Mladen Fuzul, Commanders and Officers of the CAF, the Director of the Security and Intelligence Agency Daniel Markić, the Chairperson of the Croatian Parliament’s Defense Committee Franko Vidović, the Chief Fire Officer Slavko Tucaković, Military Ordinary Msgr. Jure Bogdan as well as many other guests.
Alongside President Milanović were the Head of the Office of the President Orsat Miljenić, the Adviser to the President for Defense Ivica Olujić, the Adviser to the President for National Security Dragan Lozančić, the Adviser to the President for Foreign and European Policy Neven Pelicarić, the Adviser to the President for Education Jadranka Žarković, the Special Adviser to the President for Homeland War Veterans Marijan Mareković, and the Head of the Military and National Security Cabinet of the Office of the President Rear Admiral Predrag Stipanović.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta & Ana Marija Katić