The central celebration of Statehood Day in Vukovar
Upon the Satehood Day, solemn promotion of 13th Generation students of the War College “Ban Josip Jelacic” was held today, 25 June 2011, in the barracks of 204th Brigade in Vukovar.
Besides staff and students of Croatian Military Academy (HVU) a ceremony was attended by top government and military officials led by President of the Republic of Croatia Ivo Josipovic, Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, Deputy Parliament Speaker Vladimir Seks, Deputy Prime Minister Petar Cobankovic, Gordan Jandrokovic and Domagoj Milosevic, ministers Davor Bozinovic (MOD), Tomislav Karamarko (MUP) and Tomislav Ivic (MOBMS), Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Drago Lovric, Police Director Oliver Grbic, Prefect of Vukovarsko-Srijemska County Bozo Galic and Mayor of Vukovar Zeljko Sabo. The ceremony was also attended by other active and retired members of the Croatian Armed Forces and Police, representatives of veteran associations, members of the military diplomatic corps and family members of HVU students.
The best students were the Navy Commander Zeljko Jakus (Command and Staff College), First Lieutenant Ivana Brzica (Advanced Officer’s Training), Lieutenant Ante Klaric (Basic Officer’s Training), Lieutenant Marko Geric (Cadet-pilot), Sergeant Karolj Mikus (Senior NCO Training), Sergeant Goran Apfenthaler (Advanced NCO training) and Corporal Josip Filipovic (Basic NCO training). The best teacher was Colonel Miroslav Kuhar and instructor Staff Sergeant Drazen Brcko.
During the ceremony top officials, along with congratulations on the occasion of National Day and graduation, addressed the audience.
President Ivo Josipovic said he was proud to have another generation of highly educated officers, NCOs and cadets, and because of the fact that our army was able to complete all tasks in the defence of the homeland. “The citizens of our country expect a lot from members of the Armed Forces, to protect them and the Croatian interests in peacekeeping missions, but also to continuously work on their training and education”, Josipovic said.
Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic recalled on the 25th June twenty years ago, when Parliament enacted the decision and declaration of independence and sovereignty of Croatia. “This created the foundation for what we later achieved”, Bebic said. He stressed that although the Croatian Armed Forces were now part of the international system of collective security, we should continue to cultivate the courage and chivalry, with which the state was created. “Parliament will always stand behind their armed forces”, Parliament Speaker said.
Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor said she was pleased and proud that she could congratulate the National Day to students of military educations in the barracks of legendary 204th brigade. “You now in the Republic of Croatia, a member of NATO, and soon the European Union, by your knowledge, your motivation, your determination in overcoming the often complex tasks and challenges, contribute to our strength, the Croatian credibility and reputation, which is reflected in the praise of the most paramount representatives of NATO”, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor said.
Defence Minister Davor Bozinovic said that Armed Forces were building a modern weapon system, which, in addition to NATO, contributed to EU defence policy through participation in EU Battle Groups and the various security initiatives. He thanked HVU staff who have unselfishly passed their knowledge to students, encouraging them on their way to seek solutions to complex challenges. This is that triumphant, fearless spirit, forged in Vukovar epic, this is a solid foundation of our defence system, said the Minister.
Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Lovric believed that students who have just finished their training would incorporate their knowledge and skills into the system that has been proud of its knowledge and achievements, but also with the foundations from the Homeland War. “The military vocation is highly ranked in Croatia, which proves the interest for the “Kadet” program, as well as interests for voluntary military service”, Lovric said.
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