The Day of the Honour Guard Battalion and the 30th anniversary of the 1st Croatian Guard Corps’ establishment were solemnly marked
The Honour Guard Battalion was formed by exceptional soldiers who contributed greatly during the defence and liberation of Croatia, Today, the unit is a cutting-edge, elite force that performs critical tasks
On Friday, 23 February 2024, the Honour Guard Battalion Day and the 1st Croatian Guard Corps’ 30th anniversary of founding were both solemnly observed in the 1st Croatian Guard Corps Barracks in Tuškanec.
The State Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Zdravko Jakop, remembered the early days of this unit, which was made up of seasoned warriors who were part of the CAF General Staff special units.
During the Homeland War, they not only had to safeguard the President of the Republic of Croatia and the state institutions, but they also had to handle a number of extremely challenging tasks.
“You were elite soldiers, and you succeeded in defending and liberating Croatian territory through fierce combat. You cooperated with the guard brigades with the understanding that we, as a generation, had a unique chance to realise the aspirations of numerous Croats for an independent, thriving, and powerful Republic of Croatia,” stated State Secretary Jakop.
Zoran Milanović, President of the Republic of Croatia, encouraged the members of this unit never to lose sight of who they are, what they are, where they came from, and where they belong.
“Our country can move forward and survive only if you care” stated Milanović.
When referring to the members of the Honour Guard Battalion as the military elite, the president made the point that this group was selected because the armed forces’ elite cannot be formed without standards; rather, it is evaluated and assessed according to them.
“In your situation, the elite was assembled throughout the most difficult period in Croatian history. Those who went to war in 1991, led and under the baton of a small number of good people, were chosen primarily on the basis of a heroic heart,” concluded President Milanović.
The Chief of the General Staff of the CAF, Admiral Hranj, said on this occasion, “The Honour Guard Battalion is a modern, elite unit with extremely important tasks, and its members must have special knowledge, skills, and psychophysical abilities to be able to perform these tasks.”
In his address, Colonel Tihomir Zebec, the Battalion Commander, stated that this significant occasion and the Day of the Honour Guard Battalion present a chance to reflect on the happy times and experiences of past members of the unit, both from the 1st Croatian Guard Corps and the Honour Guard Battalion. Through their hard work, military careers, and honourable and exemplary service, these individuals woven themselves into the unit and helped it grow and achieve its capabilities.
The Commander stated, “Above all, we remember with special reverence the 76 knights of the 1st Croatian Guard Corps and heroes of the Homeland War who gave their all by laying their lives on the Altar of the Homeland.” He also underlined that the Honour Guard Battalion’s current strength and virtue are a result of its members’ unity, knowledge, and experience working together.
Numerous guests, including the President of the Republic of Croatia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, the Prime Minister’s envoy and State Secretary Zdravko Jakop, Chief of the General Staff of the CAF, Admiral Robert Hranj, Head of the Office of the President, Orsat Miljenić, and many others, attended the celebration in addition to current and former members of the unit.
As a reminder, the Honour Guard Battalion is a sub-staff unit of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, responsible for honorary and ceremonial duties for high-ranking military and state officials as well as duties pertaining to the security and protection of the Commander-in-Chief. The unit is based on the historical sequence of the 1st Croatian Guard Corps, whose participants in the Homeland War significantly contributed to the realisation of Croatia’s historical desire to become an independent and sovereign state.