21st anniversary of Josip Vranić death
21st anniversary of the Josip Vranić death, the first deceased member of the Croatian Navy in the Homeland War was commemorated today, September 24, by laying wreaths and lighting candles at a Memorial on the south side of Marjan, in Kašjuni Bay in Split.
Apart from Vranić family members, the tribute to fallen seaman was paid by the Croatian Navy delegation led by Rear Admiral Ante Urlić, Deputy Mayor of the city of Split Jure Šundov, Deputy Prefect of Split Dalmatian County Luka Brčić and members of the Association of the Croatian Navy Volunteers. Father Jozo Mravak, Navy Fleet Chaplain, led the prayer at the Memorial.
Josip Vranić (born April 14, 1970.), back then 21-year-old, as a member of the Navy 66th Light Artillery Rocket Battalion, was killed by enemy artillery when defending his hometown Split at a time when Yugoslav Navy conducted naval blockade of Croatian waters.
“Josip joined on the call of the Homeland, because the young people of that time had in mind only: Homeland, duty, honour, and pride”, Ante Urlić said when addressing the present at the Memorial.