Croatia Marks the 30th Anniversary of Operation Storm in Honour of the Victory and Sacrifice of Croatian Veterans

With pride, gratitude and dignity, the Republic of Croatia today, 5 August 2025, commemorated in Knin Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 30th anniversary of the military and police Operation Storm – a pivotal moment in modern Croatian history when courage, unity and devotion to the homeland secured the foundations of Croatian freedom.

A solemn commemorative programme, marked by deep respect for the fallen, was held in the victorious city of Knin, bringing together generations committed to preserving the values of the Homeland War.

Alongside thousands of citizens gathered in the City of King Zvonimir, the central ceremony took place at the Dinara Stadium, attended by Croatia’s highest state and military officials. In their addresses, they recalled the significance of Operation Storm, reaffirmed the values of the Homeland War, and conveyed messages of responsibility and confidence for Croatia’s future.

Minister Anušić: This Anniversary Holds Profound Personal Significance for Me as a Croatian Veteran

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm, Minister Anušić spoke to the media, emphasising the personal and emotional importance of the day for him as a Croatian veteran:

“This jubilee anniversary means a great deal to me, and each passing year I experience it with ever stronger emotions. I am especially glad that young people appreciate, respect and wish to learn more about Operation Storm.”

Prime Minister Plenković: Operation Storm Was a Historical Turning Point

Addressing the gathering on behalf of Croatian veterans, Borislav Lapenda, President of the Association of Veterans of Croatian Guard Brigades, stated:

“We, Croatian defenders – today veterans of the Homeland War – proudly emphasise that we were entrusted with a historic role in fulfilling the centuries-old aspiration of the Croatian people: the creation of a free and independent Republic of Croatia. We will remain forever proud of that role.”

“There is only one truth: the Homeland War was just, defensive and liberating. This truth must be taught to all generations, in every Croatian school,” Lapenda stressed.

On behalf of the President of the Republic of Croatia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, retired Lieutenant General Marijan Mareković said:

“As we commemorate the magnificent military and police Operation Storm, we remember with deep respect our comrades who laid down their lives in this decisive battle, as well as all heroes of the Homeland War. Their sacrifice imposes upon us a lasting obligation – never to forget the price of freedom, and to safeguard and defend that freedom together.”

President of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandroković emphasised:

“Anyone observing the unrest in today’s world clearly sees how precious a life of freedom and peace truly is – the life we enjoy here in Croatia. Every citizen must therefore feel profound gratitude towards those who gave their blood and lives in defence of our homeland.”

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated:

“Thirty years have passed since Operation Storm, yet the memories of the days of pride and glory remain vivid. Thirty years since Croatia liberated itself and secured its future. Each year we gather here in Knin, under this sky of freedom, with the same sentiments: pride in our victory, gratitude to our veterans and paying tribute to the fallen. But today, on the anniversary of Croatia’s greatest victory, we come not only to remember, but to reaffirm what Operation Storm means to us, what it obliges us to, and what it teaches us. Operation Storm was not only a military achievement – it was a historical turning point.”

Solemn Ceremonies and Commemorative Honours. The ceremonial programme traditionally began at dawn with marching performances through the streets of Knin. Tribute to the fallen, missing and deceased Croatian defenders was paid at the Croatian Victory – Operation Storm 95 Monument at Dr. Ante Starčević Square, where wreaths were laid by families of fallen and missing defenders, war veterans with disabilities, wartime commanders, representatives of Homeland War associations, senior state officials of the Republic of Croatia, representatives of the Croatian National Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and representatives of counties and cities.

The ringing of church bells signalled the traditional flag-raising ceremony at Knin Fortress, accompanied by the national anthem and ceremonial gun salutes honouring fallen Croatian defenders.

245 Cadets and Police Academy Students Step Forward in Honour of the Fallen

A historical overview of Operation Storm was presented as part of the commemorative programme. With special reverence, the names of fallen and missing Croatian defenders were read aloud. The names of all 245 fallen and missing defenders were read by the sons of fallen Croatian defenders, while simultaneously 245 cadets of the Croatian Armed Forces and Police Academy students symbolically stepped forward at the Knin Fortress in their honour.

Spectacular Demonstration of Joint Capabilities by Special Forces and the Croatian Air Force

Thousands of citizens witnessed a striking demonstration of capabilities by members of the Croatian Armed Forces and the police, including an impressive aerial programme. The joint demonstration involved members of the Special Forces Command, the Croatian Air Force and the Intelligence Regiment, supported by UH-60M Black Hawk and OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters.

The “Wings of Storm” aerobatic display team performed a spectacular programme, while a ceremonial flypast by Rafale multirole combat aircraft added special significance to the event. Croatian Air Force pilots greeted citizens and conducted a remarkable aerial programme over Knin, including a flyover by two Rafale aircraft above the entire area of Operation Storm.

For the first time, the public was presented with the capabilities of Croatian-produced FPV drones, operated by members of the Special Forces Command.

A Holy Mass was celebrated in the Church of Our Lady of the Great Croatian Baptismal Covenant, led by the Archbishop of Zagreb, Monsignor Dražen Kutleša.

Throughout the day, visitors toured the static display of military and police equipment, and a traditional serving of military bean stew was organized for citizens.

The all-day commemorative programme marking the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm will conclude in the evening with a concert organised by the City of Knin.