Croatia marks 35th anniversary of ZNG formation, emphasizes defender rights and military modernization

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković asserted that his government has upheld the dignity of Croatian defenders through improved legislation and a larger budget. Speaking at a reception marking the 35th anniversary of the historical deployment of the National Guard Corps (ZNG) and the establishment of Croatian Army (HV) and police units, Plenković stated that "current and previous governments and the Croatian Parliament have strived to preserve the dignity of the Homeland War and the rights of Croatian defenders." He believes this has been achieved through "new, better, comprehensive legal solutions, with the Law on Missing Persons, with the Law on Civilian Victims of the Homeland War, and with improved material and budgetary resources."

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current and previous governments and the Croatian Parliament have strived to preserve the dignity of the Homeland War and the rights of Croatian defenders. I think we have achieved that with new, better, comprehensive legal solutions, with the Law on Missing Persons, with the Law on Civilian Victims of the Homeland War and with improved material and budgetary resources.

Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković recalled the 35th anniversary of the ZNG's initial deployment at the stadium in Zagreb's Kranjčevićeva Street, calling it a "historical date in the creation of modern Croatia." He added, "The deployment of units was the first sign that Croatia would be ready to respond to the Greater Serbian aggressor. Today we remember those brave people and express gratitude, especially to the families of the fallen Croatian defenders."

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The deployment of units was the first sign that Croatia would be ready to respond to the Greater Serbian aggressor. Today we remember those brave people and express gratitude, especially to the families of the fallen Croatian defenders.

Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović noted that 35 years ago, Croatia demonstrated its readiness despite lacking a formal army, relying on organized police forces. "It is an honor to lead a system that in 1991 made a huge effort and took the first blow from the enemy army against Croatia," he said, emphasizing the need for solemn commemoration for those who died and for future generations.

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It is an honor to lead a system that in 1991 made a huge effort and took the first blow from the enemy army against Croatia. This is one of the dates that should be commemorated in the most solemn way, primarily for those who died, but also for those who are coming.

Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić expressed pride in the historical deployment, acknowledging the fear of the time but stressing Croatia's resolve to fight for independence. He highlighted that "Croatia succeeded thanks to all who were ready to give their lives for the homeland." Anušić also pointed out that Croatia is undergoing its most significant military modernization in 35 years, predicting it will become one of the most advanced smaller armies in the world and NATO. Minister of Veterans Tomo Medved reminded attendees that the core of the future Croatian army was formed on May 28, 1991, calling it the "nucleus of the winners and people who would defend the sovereignty of the Republic of Croatia."

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Croatia succeeded thanks to all who were ready to give their lives for the homeland.