Tigrovi Brigade mark 28th anniversary

The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic as Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović,  by the Envoy of the Chairman of the Croatian Parliament Miljenko Filipović, the Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and the Minister of Homeland War Veterans Tomo Medved,  by the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, by the Envoy of the Minister of the Interior  Josip Ćelić,  by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Drago Matanović, by the Special Advisor to the Defence Minister Božo Kožul, by the wartime Commander of the  Brigade “Tigrovi” Major General Jozo Miličević, the representatives of the City of Zagreb and families of the fallen, missing and deceased members of the Brigade, by representatives of the City of Zagreb  and of the association of the veterans of the 1st Guards Brigade.

New members of the Battalion were symbolically presented with the berets and wreaths were laid and candles light in the Barracks. 

The programme was continued in the adjacent Park Bundek, with a static display of the weapons and equipment used by f the Croatian Armed Forces and with a display of the service and intervention of military workling dogs of the Military Police Regiment, and also with a ceremonial drill by the members of the Honorary. Battalion. 

The President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović underlined the important role of the Brigade “Tigrovi” in the Homeland War, who were a synonym for the defence and victory in the Homeland War. 

The Minister of the Homeland War Veterans  Tomo Medved congratulated the “Tigrovi” of the Battalion  28th anniversary of the establishment, saying he was immensely proud to walk along with numerous heroes and members of the legendary Tigers.

“While holding the beret in my hands before presenting it I was overwhlmed  by memories, emotions and pride that we felt watching you defend our Homeland,, “Tigrovi” liberated the Plitvice National Park, where the Homeland War had begun.

“There were no missions left uncompleted for “Tigrovi”in whom we trusted deeply and we are grateful to you”, said the President. 

The Minister of Croatian Defenders Tomo Medved congratulated the members of the “Tigrovi” Battalion and shared his immense pride over igers on the 28th anniversary of the establishment, saying he was immensely proud to fight together with many brave members of the Brigade.

“We defended our Homeland wherever necessary and experienced both important victories and casualties. I wish to express gratitude to the the families of our fallen and missing members here present who are here today with us. We wish the  children who lost their fathers to be proud of them”, said Minister Medved. 

Defence Minister Krstičević said that the pride and the heroism of “Tigrovi” would remain a model of patriotism. “Tigrovi” were the striking force in the victorious operations, our shield and pride in the defence against the aggression, and you should be proud of yourselves and your fellow combatants. The victorious Croatian Armed Forces made historic accomplishment defending and liberating Croatia, The Croatian Armed Forces are a modern force ready to fulfill any assign task and to assist the people.

Be proud – because you demonstrated the competence of the young Croatian defenders  led by the wartime Defence Minister Gojko Šušak and the first President of the Republic of Croatia Dr. Franjo Tuđman. 

We are not strengthening the Croatian Armed Forces to threat anyone, but to preserve peace and freedom. Burnt down houses, destroyed towns and the victims of the Homeland War make a part of our modern history that will not be forgotten. The mighty Croatian Armed Forces are a guarantee against that in the future”, said the Minister. 

Minister Krstičević,  the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Mirko Šundov and to the special advisor to the Defence Minister Mr. Božo Kožul were presented with the certificates of gratitude of the Battalion “Tigrovi”.

The wartime commander of the “Tigrovi” Brigade  Major General Jozo Miličević reminded of the importance of the support frpm the state to all Croatian defenders and stressed that future generations had to guard the true values of the Homeland War.

A mass was recited on the occasion  of the anniversary for all fallen, missing and deceased defenders in the Church of Holy Cross in Zagreb, by the military chaplain p. Vlado Mandura, also attended by the special advisor to the Defence Minister General Ante Gotovina (ret.).

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