Formal graduation of students of military schools in Vukovar

On the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia, on Friday, June 25, a special program that included a ceremony of formal promotion of students of the Croatian Military Academy who completed their education in the school year 2009/10 was held in Vukovar.

The program began in the morning by the holy mass in Vukovar church led by the Military Ordinary Monsignor Juraj Jezerinac, followed by a parade of participants through the streets of Vukovar, after which the CMA delegation laid wreaths at the Cross on the Danube.
The highest state officials, led by President Ivo Josipovic, Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic and Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor arrived in Vukovar in the afternoon and laid wreaths and lit candles at the Ovcara Memorial Area and on the Vukovar Memorial Cemetery.

The central event was the graduation ceremony of military schools students, which took place in the 204th brigade barracks. In addition to the students and aforementioned officials the promotion ceremony was also attended by the members of Government, Chief of General Staff General Josip Lucic and other CAF officers, Military Ordinary Juraj Jezerinac, Prefect of Vukovarsko-Srijemska County Bozo Galic, Mayor of Vukovar Zeljko Sabo, representatives of the military and diplomatic corps and associations from the Homeland war, families, friends and relatives of students.

CMA Director Major General Mirko Sundov reported to the President and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Ivo Josipovic, who then performed inspection of the lined-up units.
When addressing the present, General Sundov briefly introduced the CMA history. Speaking about the recently completed school year, the general noted that on this occasion diplomas were given to 14 students of “Ban Josip Jelacic” War College, 40 students of the 18th generation of “Blago Zadro” Command and Staff College, and to 6 cadets-military pilots from the 14th generation.
Speaking on the Statehood Day, Chief of General Staff General Josip Lucic said that “soldiers were proud to have contributed to its realization”. When congratulating students, General noted that without the knowledge, the CAF would not achieve its victories nor its goals.
Defence Minister Branko Vukelic congratulated the day that he called “the big Croatian holiday”, and reminded on the Croatian war veterans who obliged us, for our strengths and our goals, to focus to the highest standards and who have shown by example that, despite the obstacles, there are no unachievable tasks. Students showed characteristic and determination of the Croatian officers and NCOs to progress on the specialist areas, following modern trends and not satisfying by achieved, as said by the Minister.

After the introductory speeches, the awarding of diplomas to students followed.

Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor congratulated the students on the newly acquired knowledge and skills gained during the education in the CMA. “You, especially the young members of CAF, represent the future of the victorious Croatian youth” said PM Kosor, and reminded students that the war veterans were a good example and that they must never tire in giving their personal contribution to the further development of the defence system and a stable, secure, European Croatia.
Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic recalled that Croatia was building its military tradition on the victory in the Homeland war. “You are victorious army, so you can watch with pride to the Croatian future”, Bebic said, adding that the glory of the Croatian Armed Forces was spreading across the world, since our soldiers have been honourably serving in NATO, EU and UN peace operations.

President Ivo Josipovic wished the soldiers success in their further career, in Croatia, which today was a modern, democratic state and society, and well-established member of the international organizations and alliances, a full member of NATO, the most powerful political-security and military organization. “It was the Croatian Armed Forces which decisively contributed to the freedom, independence and the achievements of today’s Democratic Croatia”, the President said. After the war, Armed Forces have been proving its readiness in performing complex tasks in international missions, but also in Croatia, where they help in protecting from natural disasters, the President reminded. “Education is the key factor of your progress and I urge you to: further educate yourself, because this is a base of the quality work in the Armed Forces”, the President concluded.