Anušić: The Feeling of Liberating One’s Own Country Cannot Be Compared to Any Other

The 31st anniversary of the military-police operation “Flash” was commemorated today in Okučani through a dignified commemorative programme. Tribute was paid to 51 fallen Croatian veterans, with deep gratitude and enduring remembrance of their sacrifice for Croatia’s freedom.

The central ceremony took place at the “Crystal Cube of Serenity” memorial, where wreaths were laid and candles lit in memory of the fallen Croatian defenders.

In honour of Croatian veterans and participants in Operation Flash, two Rafale multirole fighter jets flew over Okučani and the wider area of the operation. A particularly solemn moment took place when cadets of the Croatian Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior laid roses at the “Crystal Cube of Serenity” memorial, underscoring the role of younger generations and the enduring remembrance of the sacrifice made for Croatia.

The programme was further enhanced by performances from the Croatian Navy’s vocal ensemble “Sveti Juraj”, as well as the Ministry of the Interior’s vocal ensemble “Sveti Mihovil”.

Messages of Piety and Gratitude to Croatian Veterans

President of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, highlighted the importance of preserving the memory of Croatian veterans and their sacrifices. He stated, “We remember Croatian veterans, particularly the 51 heroes who lost their lives, and we extend our lasting gratitude to them and their families. They made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and for the peace secured in Croatia. It is important for young people and future generations to remember such events; Croatia paid for its freedom with blood.”

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, in his address, emphasised the significance of Operation Flash and expressed gratitude to the Croatian veterans who gave their lives for Croatia’s freedom.

“Operation Flash is an opportunity to express gratitude to Croatian veterans, as one of the most important operations of 1995, alongside Operation Storm. Fifty-one members of the Croatian Armed Forces and police were killed, and we pay tribute to them and to all Croatian veterans who laid down their lives for Croatia’s freedom.”

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković highlighted that Operation Flash was effective and swift, representing at the time a new level of capability and strength of the Croatian Armed Forces and police, particularly in the liberation of the Zagreb-Lipovac highway as a key achievement, including the railway route. “The significance of ‘Flash’ and its role as a cornerstone of the sovereign Croatian state are also confirmed by the number of people who came to Okučani,” the prime minister said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Ivan Anušić, reflected on the significance of Operation Flash and the memory of fallen members of the Croatian forces, sharing his personal experiences from the liberation of occupied territory in the Republic of Croatia: “Emotions, as always on such anniversaries, are mixed. We remember our comrades who, unfortunately, lost their lives in this operation – 51 in total. We thank all those who are with us today, and we also recall all the moments that marked us.”

Minister Anušić emphasised that, despite the mixed emotions such anniversaries always bring, pride ultimately prevails. Recalling the moment when his unit set out from Cernik near Nova Gradiška and reached Omanovac near Pakrac, he stressed: “That journey we went through, liberating with every step a part of the occupied Croatian territory that had been under occupation for four years, is something that cannot be compared to any other feeling. We still remember that feeling today, and we are proud of it.”

As part of the commemoration, a Holy Mass was also held for the fallen Croatian veterans and civilian victims of the Homeland War at the Church of St Vitus, led by the Military Ordinary, Msgr Jure Bogdan, with the participation of the Bishop of Požega, Msgr Ivo Martinović.

Croatian Armed Forces and Police Perform Demonstration Exercises for Citizens

A diverse accompanying programme was organised for citizens, showcasing the capabilities and equipment of the Croatian Armed Forces and police. Members of the Special Forces Command and the Ministry of the Interior jointly performed a parachute jump demonstration, displaying a high level of training and coordination.

Members of the Special Forces Command, with the support of a Croatian Air Force Black Hawk UH-60M helicopter, carried out a dynamic live demonstration exercise, highlighting the readiness and operational effectiveness of special units, while the Military Police Regiment presented the capabilities of service dogs in various operational tasks.

Visitors had the opportunity to view a display of equipment of the Croatian Armed Forces and police, featuring combat and non-combat vehicles and various equipment, including unmanned systems (drones), Bradley armoured fighting vehicles and Patria combat vehicles. A military lunch was organised for guests and citizens, while the evening programme concluded with a concert at Dr Franjo Tuđman Square.

The commemoration was attended by Zoran Milanović, the President of the Republic of Croatia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces; Gordan Jandroković, President of the Croatian Parliament; Prime Minister Andrej Plenković; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić; Deputy Prime Ministers and ministers in the Government of the Republic of Croatia; Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid; the Chief of the Police; as well as other guests – state secretaries, mayors, representatives of the Croatian Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, veterans’ associations, and family members of fallen veterans. Republic of Croatia.

The commemoration of the 31st anniversary of Operation Flash reaffirmed the enduring gratitude and respect for Croatian veterans who played a vital role in the establishment and defence of the Republic of Croatia.