Marking the 24th Croatian Army and Armed Forces Day

on 28 May 2015, attended by the Croatian Prime Minister, Zoran Milanović, the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament,  Josip Leko, Defence Minister, Ante Kotromanović, Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Drago Lovrić, the Envoy of the President of the Republic, Domagoj Juričić, ministers of the Croatian Government, ambassadors, members of the academic and religious communities in Croatia, present and former personnel  of the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces.
The Croatian Prime Minister, Zoran Milanović extended congratulations to the members of the Croatian Armed Forces on the occasion, stating: “The Croatian military has a unique place among the NATO partners,to whom we are compared, for the experience behind  its members, men and women alike, many of whom attend this ceremony. The unique character that distinguishes us from other militaries is a reason to feel proud and, more importantly, self-aware.
“Croatia has gone through a very hard time, unlike any EU or NATO nation. It was forced to defend its freedom and status at an enormous price. It will take us 30 more years or much longer of peace to demonstrate what we can create and achieve in peace.
The Armed Forces, who enjoy respect and special place in modern democratic Croatia, need to constantly demonstrate their readiness and strength and serve as deterrent.
“The Croatian Armed Forces will receive the necessary funds to maintain their  professional performance. Continue to carry our your duties honourably, as an élite force“, said the Prime Minister.
The Defence Minister, Ante Kotromanović stressed 28 May as an important day for the Croatian Armed Forces, whose first units were established 24 years earlier from remarkable individuals who demonstrated great courage and patriotism. As Croatian defender myself, I recall the times when the Croatian people and their courage were the biggest arm. I am proud of our feats and of the Croatian Armed Forces  today.
“The past may offer inspiration and strength, but it is by looking ahead we can achieve real results, guided by the vision of the future development of the Croatian Armed Forces“, said the Defence Minister.
“During our term of office we have invested, and will continue to invest sufficient funds into equipping, modernisation and improvement of living conditions for our soldiers.
The Long-term Development Plan envisages investmenf of additional 10 bil kuna within the next decade. Most importantly, we shall retain all capabilities of the Croatian Air Force, the Navy and the Army“, stressed the Minister.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Force, General Drago Lovrić emphasised the personnel of the Croatian military as its major asset.  The Croatian soldiers engaged throughout the country and in international missions worldwide promote humanity and victory, “always striving for better performance and do more for their country. The high quality personnel of the Croatian Armed Forces has been one of the criteria for appointment of Sergeant Major of the Army Petek as Allied Command of Operations Senior NCO. The human quality was among the motives for the 100-mil USD military equipment donation from the USA“.
The Army and Armed Forces Day was an occasion for promotion of 112 officers (including 22 female officers), among whom the first Croatian female general officer, Gordana Garašić, who has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. The Croatian Army Commander Mate Ostović has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, and Brig. General Mladen Fuzul, Deputy Commander of the Army and Brig. Gen. Slaven Zdilar, Deputy Defence Inspector, to the rank of Major General.
On the first Croatian female general officer promotion the Minister stated: 
“I am highly proud of Brig.Gen. Garašić, a formidable officer, who has worked hard and demonstrated excellence for years. She has  spent last ten months in Afghanistan, doing a great job for Croatia. The Ministy of Defence shares this sense of pride over the first Croatian female general officer“.
The ceremony featured the presentation of the awards to the three best performing participants of the  “The Best Soldier Competition Croatia 2015“. The winner, First Sergeant Pero Bertović was presented with the badge and the challenge cup. The fittest Croatian soldier in 2015 said: “Winning the title for the second consecutive time is an immense honour to me. It was quite an achievement, considering my age and the demanding route of the Competition. But I have succeded and proved myself“.
The Symphonic Wind Orchestra of the Croatian Armed Forces and the Croatian Navy’s Vocal Ensemble “Sveti Juraj” performed during the ceremony.
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