The 34th anniversary of the Croatian Army celebrated in Karlovac
General Beretin stressed the importance of the level of equipment and care for people as the basis of the strength of units and thanked all members of the Croatian Army for their dedication and service to the homeland
Today, on Tuesday 27 May 2025, on occasion of the 34th anniversary of founding the Croatian Army, a ceremonial academy was held at the Croatian Army Centre in Karlovac.
The level of technical equipment increases our strength, while people remain the centre of every capability
In his address, Commander of the Croatian Army, Major General Blaž Beretin, referred to beginnings of the organization of this largest service of the Croatian Armed Forces, emphasizing the importance of the level of technical equipment, togetherness and care for people who are the most important part and foundation of every unit.
“From the Homeland War to the present day, we have undergone numerous transformations and have equipped ourselves with new and modern weapons and weapons systems that we are constantly improving and expanding in order to be ready to respond to challenges of the times in which the security situation changes almost daily,” he said.
“We, the participants of the Homeland War, know well that technical equipment is an important part of combat readiness, but the spirit of unity and continuous care for people is the centre of gravity of every unit. We must always focus on caring for our members by ensuring they can exercise their rights, education and promotion.”
The well-being of soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers, raising their standard of living and work is a constant task for everyone in the chain of command. Let us focus on nurturing interpersonal relationships and developing a stimulating working environment. Achieving this goal requires synergy from all our units, whose professionalism, effort and commitment I particularly commend,” General Beretin emphasized.
The ceremonial commemoration was attended, alongside with Commander of the Croatian Army Major General Blaž Beretin, by Commander of the Croatian Air Force MG Michael Križanec, Commander of the Croatian Navy Commodore Damir Dojkić, Chief of the Intelligence Directorate of the CAF General Staff BG Mijo Validžić, Commander of the Support Command Colonel Mijo Vukičević, Commander of the Special Forces Command, Colonel Ivan Miloš, the CSM of the Croatian Armed Forces, Sergeant Major Filip Tunjić, and representatives of the local and regional authorities, as well as representatives of associations that ensue from the Homeland War.
28 May 28 1991 – beginning of the creation of the Croatian Army
Every year on 28 May, the Day of the Croatian Army is celebrated, in memory of the historic event from 1991, when the first professional military unit of the Republic of Croatia – the National Guard Corps (ZNG) – was formed into ranks on Kranjčevićeva Street in Zagreb. This date marks the beginning of the creation of the Croatian Army, the fundamental force in defence of the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Croatia.
The anniversary of the Croatian Army, the largest service of the Armed Forces, is an opportunity to pay tribute and gratitude to Croatian war veterans and their families, and to acknowledge all members of the Croatian Army who, with their professionalism, sacrifice and dedication, safeguard the security and sovereignty of the Republic of Croatia on a daily basis.
