Together in Remembrance of the Victims of Škabrnja

The central part of the commemoration began today, 18 November 2025, with a gathering at the Barn at the entrance to Škabrnja – the very place from which, 34 years ago, the enemy column launched its criminal assualt.

Škabrnja Teaches Us that Freedom is Not a Gift, But a Vow

Škabrnja teaches us that freedom is not a gift, but a vow ‒ a vow to remember, to preserve the truth, and to speak with pride of the courage of those who paid the highest price. Their names, their stories, and their sacrifices are permanently woven into the identity of our people. And as we stood together in gratitude and respect, we reaffirmed that tragedies must never be forgotten and that it is our duty to pass the truth on to future generations.

Throughout November Škabrnja commemorates the sacrifices made during the Homeland War. The central part of the commemoration began with a commemorative gathering at the Barn at the entrance to Škabrnja, from where, 34 years agoat 7 a.m., the enemy column launched its criminal assault.

With sorrow in their hearts, yet with pride and dignity, participants formed the Column of Remembrance and proceeded towards the Mass Grave Memorial Site of Škabrnja. A delegation of the Community of Associations of Croatian Civil War Victims laid wreath on behalf of all delegations.

In the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Eucharistic celebration for all those who lost their lives in the Homeland War was led by Archbishop of Zadar Milan Zgrablić, in conjunction with the retired Archbishop of Zadar Želimir Puljić, and numerous priests. In his homily, the Archbishop emphasised that Škabrnja, which in 1991 became a symbol of the pain and martyrdom of the Croatian people, is today also a place of deep spiritual reflection.

The Archbishop said: “We do not come here only to mourn, but to pray and learn. We learn what true faith is – a faith that does not flee from pain, but transforms it into prayer and hope.” He added that love for the homeland is inseparable from responsibility, truth, and justice. “Croatia’s future must be built on the values of peace, integrity, and solidarity. God does not want bitterness to grow within us.” He asked all present to reflect on their own hearts and to work towards healing the wounded relationships.

After the Holy Mass, the Step-by-Step Walk proceeded to the local cemetery of St. Luke, where families of fallen defenders and civilian victims, together with representatives of all associations originating from the Homeland War and numerous official delegations laid wreaths at the base of the central cross near the memorial.

Alongside members of the Croatian Armed Forces and the police, the commemoration was attended by delegates of the highest Croatian state institutions.

Many citizens came to Škabrnja to demonstrate, clearly and unequivocally, the importance of preserving the memory of the Homeland War and its victims. On this day, 43 civilians and 15 Croatian defenders were killed; after the war, a further six residents lost their lives due to mine-explosive devices. Before Operation Storm, 86 people had been killed in Škabrnja. As their names were read aloud, a rose was laid for each of them as a reminder of the sacrifices they made.