20th Anniversary of “Peruča” Action
The central ceremony marking the 20th anniversary upon the Croatian Armed Forces Action of liberation “Peruča” dam and the wider territory conducted on 27 and 28 January 1993, was held today, 27 January 2013, in the vicinity of the “Peruča” hydroelectric power plant near Sinj.
The ceremony began by laying wreaths and lighting candles at the monument to the Croatian defender Ante Buljan, who was killed during the action. Besides family members, the honour to the deceased Buljan was paid by the President Ivo Josipović, Defence Minister Ante Kotromanović, Minister of Veterans Affairs Predrag Matić, Deputy Interior Minister Evelin Tonković, Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Drago Lovrić, CAF retired general Ante Gotovina, and representatives of veterans organizations, local authorities, Croatian Electric Company and others.
On behalf of the organizers, the present were welcomed by the President of the Croatian Veterans – Veterani 126. sinjske brigade Boško Vladović and Hrvace Mayor Dinko Bošnjak.
During the ceremony, President Josipović awarded with the Order of Duke Domagoj with Necklace the retired British Colonel Mark Nicholas Gray. He, as the UNPROFOR military observer, on the eve of the action opened the dam safety outlet and prevented its complete destruction by the enemy, which would cause a major catastrophe with human victims, and environmental and material damage.
President Josipović also awarded with the Order of the Croatian Three-strand Pattern Croatian defender Ivan Buljan, a member of the Croatian Armed forces, who was captured by enemy forces during the action.
In a short speech, the President said that “Peruča” action was successful, brilliant, brave and heroic. He thanked the decorated and all Croatian war veterans who during the Homeland War contributed to the freedom and independence of Croatia.
Commander of the “Peruča” action, Zdravko Škarpa recalled that the action was not planned, but was a response of the Croatian defenders on the attempted hostile occupation of the former pink zone, which would lead to a direct threat to Sinj and surrounding areas. Thanks to the action, the enemy had to draw back ten kilometres towards Knin, the refugees returned to their homes, and the Croatian soldier once again proved that he was ready to defend his country.
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