Croatian President Milanović honors military at Army Day ceremony

Croatian President Zoran Milanović marked Croatian Army Day, Croatian Land Army Day, and the 35th anniversary of the Croatian Armed Forces (OSRH) with a formal reception at the '1st Croatian Guard Corps' Barracks. During the event, he congratulated all members of the OSRH and specifically honored decorated and promoted personnel, viewing their achievements as encouragement for their military careers.

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I want us all to uphold the reputation of the Republic of Croatia, our interests, to be good, loyal, and decent neighbors with the states and peoples with whom we can and must cooperate, and to take that seriously.

"Today is the most important day for the Croatian Army," Milanović stated, urging attendees to collectively uphold the reputation of the Republic of Croatia and its interests. He advocated for being good, loyal, and decent neighbors to cooperating nations, while also emphasizing the need for decisiveness and calculation in defending national interests. "Primarily through peaceful and diplomatic means, by talking with others, by forming coalitions with others, as long as that works, and I am convinced that it does work far," he added.

The President, in his capacity as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, presented several awards and promotions. The Order of the Croatian Tchelnik was bestowed upon six individuals for their wartime contributions, while the Order of the Croatian Wattle was awarded to two officers for their significant contributions to Croatia's development and reputation. Additionally, the Memorial Commemorative Medal of Homeland Gratitude was given to three officers for their honorable and exemplary service.

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But also, to be decisive and very calculated in defending what we define as our interest and that we must fight for it, primarily through peaceful and diplomatic means, by talking with others, by forming coalitions with others, as long as that works, and I am convinced that it does work far.

Several officers were also promoted. Three colonels were elevated to the rank of brigadier general, including Robert Suntešić, Mirko Stošića, and Mile Vukičević. Additionally, four colonels were promoted to brigadier, and five majors were promoted to colonel. These promotions recognize successful task completion and outstanding performance within the Croatian Armed Forces.

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The war was not won only by brilliant operations and brilliant battles, but also by the exceptional discipline, loyalty, and obedience of the Croatian soldier to the wise state and military leadership at the time.