19th Anniversary of the Croatian Armed Forces celebrated in Karlovac

The ceremony was attended by the Croatian President and CAF Commander-in-Chief Dr. Ivo Josipovic, Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Luka Bebic, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, Minister of Defence Branko Vukelic, Chief of General Staff General Josip Lucic, Vice-speakers of the Croatian Parliament, former president Stjepan Mesic, former ministers and chiefs of General Staff, a number of other senior civilian and military officials, representatives of military-diplomatic corps, and a lot of Karlovac citizens.
The ceremony started by lining up of ten CAF echelons at the city stadium “Branko Cavlovic Cavlek”. A report to the President of the Republic was given by Lieutenant General Mladen Kruljac, the Commander of the Croatian Army. After the state hymn, a tribute to all fallen Croatian defenders was paid by a minute of silence, followed by the first part of flight program in which Mi Sh 171 and MiG 21 BIS performed a short program.

Recalling the historic lining up of National Guard in 1991 at Zagreb Stadium in Kranjceviceva, CAF Chief of General Staff General Josip Lucic said that nowadays modern armed forces were a successor of the glorious and proud military who defended and liberated Croatia. “We are aware of financial constraints, but we can responsibly promise that the Armed Forces will continue to perform all the tasks set before them”, General Lucic said, thanking everyone who had contributed to building of the CAF and who by their responsible and committed work enabled Croatia to join NATO.

Defence Minister Branko Vukelic especially welcomed members of the Armed Forces, who were lined up at the first lining up of National Guard, pointing out that they believed in Croatia in the future, and we believed in Croatian defenders and unity. The Minister paid deep gratitude to all veterans that have given their lives and their health built into the Croatian victory. “The experience gained in the war and the high motivation of every member was implemented in professional force capable of accomplishing all the tasks,” Minister Vukelic said, stressing that nowadays CAF provide a significant contribution to peace and security in the world by participating in numerous missions and operations. The minister particularly stressed his satisfaction with the fact that domestic Croatian companies were involved in the CAF equipping. “In the middle of all of our efforts is a person, a member of our Armed Forces. In all these 19 years, knowledge, capability and creativity of CAF members have been dominance that enabled the achievement of all goals. Thank you for not tiring on this honourable path”, said at the end Minister Vukelic.

On behalf of the Government, CAF members were congratulated by the Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor especially those who were currently on duty in the country or abroad.
Referring to the first line up of National Guard, Prime Minister Kosor pointed out that from those historical moments we draw strength to face the challenges of the future. “We are proud of what we achieved, on that we preserved the freedom that we will give to future generations”, the Prime Minister said and reminded that only the one who respects himself and his history can respect others. The PM also reminded on the role of the first Croatian President Dr. Franjo Tudjman and all Croatian war veterans who gave their lives for Croatia’s freedom, once again stressing that the Homeland War was a just, defensive and liberating. She emphasized the fact that there were more than 9% of women-CAF members in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan as well as in the CAF, which was above the NATO average.

Congratulations on the 19th anniversary of CAF were sent on behalf of the members of the Croatian Parliament by its Speaker Luka Bebic. “These 19 years for us is rich in combat experience and in winning spirit and we must never bring this into question” said Parliament Speaker Bebic.

The President and CAF Commander-in-Chief Ivo Josipovic joined on the congratulations stressing that Croatia was nowadays internationally affirmed and internationally recognized state, noting that co-operation, stability, prosperity and peace have no alternative. “The Republic of Croatia today is a reliable ally in NATO. We are aware of the benefits of membership, as well as its obligations and responsibilities”, President Josipovic said. The President also pointed out that the CAF enjoy the highest reputation and the support of Croatian citizens, and that rationalization must not jeopardize the realization of CAF  tasks in the country and abroad. “You are the pride of Croatia, you are its security” concluded President Josipovic at the end of his address to members of the Armed Forces.
The central celebration concluded by “Wings of Storm” flying group program, presenting some of the manoeuvres performed at the international aero shows. Afterwards, high guests and all other gathered visited weapons display and the information tent with the presentation of projects of attracting staff to the Croatian Armed Forces.

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