Anušić to new members of the Kune Battalion – Wear the insignia of Croatia’s greatest Homeland War heroes with pride

The Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Ivan Anušić, representing the Prime Minister, took part today in the ceremony marking the 34th anniversary of the establishment of the 3rd Guards Brigade “Kune” and the Day of the Kune Tank Battalion held in Đakovo.

On this occasion, Minister Anušić presented berets to new members of the Kune Tank Battalion, part of the Guards Armoured Mechanised Brigade.

As part of the commemorative programme, Minister Anušić laid a wreath at the 3rd Guards Brigade Barracks to honour the fallen, missing, and deceased Croatian Homeland War veterans.

Congratulating the members of the Tank Battalion on their unit day, Minister Anušić stated: “It is an honour to be part of this outstanding ceremony – an occasion that reignites pride and confidence in all those who have witnessed the professionalism and commitment of the Croatian Armed Forces. The Croatian people and the Croatian state are never alone, as long as our Armed Forces stand by them.”

Reflecting on the early 1990s, Minister Anušić paid tribute to the members of the 3rd Guards Brigade who lost their lives, were wounded or went missing during the Homeland War: “We must remember the 392 soldiers of the 3rd Guards Brigade who gave their lives for Croatia’s independence, the 1,088 who were wounded, and the 15 who are still listed as missing. This represents the largest loss endured by any Croatian military unit from 1990 to 1995 – the ultimate sacrifice made by the 3rd Guards Brigade.”

He also spoke about the character of the Slavonian people: “The 3rd Guards Brigade was composed of troops from Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem – people known for their humility, modesty, and strength of character. As in 1991, their determination was put to the ultimate test on the unforgiving front lines of eastern Croatia.”

Anušić to the new members of the Kune Battalion: You will continue the path paved by the heroes of the Homeland War

Addressing the newly inducted members of the Tank Battalion, Minister Anušić said: “You, the young men and women who received your berets today and joined our Armed Forces, wear with pride the insignia of the greatest heroes of the Homeland War – from Blago Zadro and Andrija Matijaš Pauk to Damir Tomljanović Gavran – all of whom were willing to lay down their lives for Croatia’s freedom and independence. You are their successors; you will continue the path paved by our heroes. We hope never to relive the events of the 1990s – but that is precisely why you are here, and why we are here.”

“As Defence Minister, and on behalf of the Croatian Government, I assure you that we will continue to invest not only in military equipment and technology but above all – in you. Because you are the heart of the Armed Forces,” he added.

Croatian Armed Forces are modern, capable and strong

“Today, the Croatian Armed Forces are modern, powerful and cohesive military force – strong and resilient, and set to become even stronger in the future. Our commitment to modernisation and equipping will not stop – both in terms of personnel and the military assets you operate,” the Minister concluded.

Commander of the Kune Tank Battalion: We stand as a guarantee of Croatia’s peace, security, and honour

Lieutenant Colonel Goran Anić, Commander of the Kune Tank Battalion, stated: “Today marks a celebration of unity, courage, strength, and unwavering love for our country. The Kune Tank Battalion stands as a guarantor of Croatia’s peace, security, and honour – always ready to respond to the nation’s call. In every tank, in every soldier, lives the spirit of those who fought for our freedom. Guardsmen, your commitment, skills, and discipline prove every day that you are worthy heirs to a proud legacy. I sincerely thank our commanders for their leadership and trust – it is what drives us to improve continually.”

Commemorating the Kune Guards Brigade in Đakovo

As part of the celebration, the Croatian Armed Forces displayed military equipment and weapon systems in Đakovo for the public and promoted military service to citizens.

A ceremonial programme was held at the 3rd Guards Brigade Barracks, where families of fallen Kune members and senior government delegations laid wreaths and paid tribute at the “Željko Trbara” monument.

A holy mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of St Peter in Đakovo, followed by a formal ceremony in Bishop Mandić Hall at the Catholic Faculty of Theology.

The 3rd Guards Brigade “Kune” was established on 29 April 1991 and is considered one of the four elite brigades of the Croatian Armed Forces. Since 2007, the Brigade’s legacy has been carried forward by the Kune Tank Battalion, now part of the Croatian Army’s Guards Armoured Mechanised Brigade. During the Homeland War, the 3rd Guards Brigade lost 392 members, with 15 still missing and 1,088 wounded.