President Milanović in Požega: While others advanced thanks to European funds, Croatia defended and liberated itself
On the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the formation of the 63rd “A“ Independent Guards Battalion of the Croatian National Guard of Požega and Croatian Defenders’ Day of Požega, the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović expressed his gratitude to all the brave defenders who responded to the call of the homeland.
In his speech, President Milanović reminded of the courage of the Požega defenders who, among the first, formed the 63rd “A” Battalion and fought for Croatia’s freedom and independence: “Croatia was defended by very few, a small number of right and good people, in the absolute and relative sense, because this accounts for several thousand people. Among them were young men who formed this unit”.
In terms of the wartime period, the President stressed the importance of the intelligent and calculated policy whereby Croatia was liberated step by step, ultimately resulting in the country’s successful defence and independence. “Croatia went through this epic intelligently and cautiously, and in the end successfully, which is what is most important”, he noted.
Looking back at the circumstances of that time, the President highlighted that the expectations of Croats were based on the hope they would quickly become part of the European Community of the time and that the security, fortune and wealth of the nation would grow. “However, this didn’t happen, the country had to be defended and had to go to war. Others advanced by tapping the famous European funds, Croatia first defended itself, then liberated itself, then for some 15 years had to explain matters to friends, then dragged itself to the Hague and back, to be ultimately allowed to join the European Union”, the President stated, and expressed his gratitude, highlighting Lieutenant General Miljenko Crnjac, whom he had the honour to meet and decorate.
Furthermore, he underlined that with time the awareness and the significance of what the defenders have done for the homeland becomes greater, which is reflected in the higher level of decorations that are conferred. “The present time, 30 years after the war, is critical and important not to pass into oblivion, to fight for the truth, and raise our children in this spirit. At the same time, I do hope it will never be forgotten”, President Milanović noted in concluding his speech, and expressed his gratitude to the brave defenders underlining the importance of perpetuating the memory of their prowess and sacrifice.
On the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the formation of the 63rd “A“ Independent Guards Battalion of the Croatian National Guard of Požega and Croatian Defenders’ Day of Požega, the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces decorated the members of the Battalion. The Order of Nikola Šubić Zrinski for a deed of valour in the Homeland War was bestowed upon Miroslav Žilić, and the Order of the Croatian Cross for being gravely injured in the Homeland War was bestowed upon Mato Sigurnjak and Antun Smojvir.
For outstanding merit for the Republic of Croatia acquired in the war the Order of the Croatian Trefoil was bestowed upon Tomica Galović and posthumously upon Križan Petrović. The Order of the Croatian Interlace for outstanding contribution to the development and standing of the Republic of Croatia and the well-being of its citizens was bestowed upon Katica Balog, Anto Bošnjak, Nikica Delač, Zvonimir Jakovljević, Denis Kresojević, Dražen Mlinarić, Željko Odri, Goran Vuković and Ilija Vidović.
Prior to the ceremony the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces laid a wreath and lit a candle at the monument to the 63rd “A“ Independent Guards Battalion of the Croatian National Guard of Požega. Alongside President Milanović was the Special Adviser to the President for Homeland War Veterans Marijan Mareković.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Ana Marija Katić