Croatia commemorates Day of Remembrance for Vukovar and Škabrnja

Solemn ceremonies across Croatia marked the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Homeland and of Vukovar and Škabrnja. 

The holiday honors the fall of Vukovar on November 18, 1991, when the city succumbed to Yugoslav forces and rebel Serbs after 87 days of heroic resistance.

“They found my husband's remains at Petrovačka Dola eight months ago,” said Mira Komunickej, who marched through the streets alongside tens of thousands of citizens. “My 19-year-old sister was killed while five months pregnant. I’m here for them, for the other defenders, and for all those still missing.”

Vasilija Takir, one of Vukovar’s female defenders, reflected on her experience, saying she fought “together with the boys.”

Government officials, war veterans, and citizens joined the traditional Memorial Procession through the ‘City of Heroes.’

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasized national unity: “The Croatian people are united around the foundations of our modern state - the values and lessons of the Homeland War. These are values we must defend and cherish. The great number of people here today, from Croatia and abroad, confirms that unity. They are here out of love for Croatia and respect for our defenders.”

Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković reflected on the enduring significance of Vukovar: “Even after 34 years, the memories remain vivid. Vukovar stands as a cornerstone of the modern Croatian state - a place of deep suffering, but also of enduring pride, because it was here that Greater-Serbian aggression was stopped. Croatia paid for its freedom in blood, and the sacrifices of the Croatian people were immense. Every generation feels a profound connection to Vukovar, its sacrifice, and the defenders who stood in its defense.”

Veterans Minister Tomo Medved added, “Croatian defenders and the victims of the Homeland War will forever be a unifying force in society.”

Vukovar Mayor Marijan Pavliček described the Memorial Procession as “the greatest living monument to the Homeland War, growing larger each year. Vukovar is part of the collective consciousness of the Croatian people. Everyone is here to pay respects to the victims and the city’s sacrifice.”

In the Dalmatian village of Škabrnja, around 20,000 people gathered to honor the 43 civilians and 15 defenders who lost their lives 34 years ago.

“Today we remember the Croatian defenders and all innocent civilians who lost their lives in Škabrnja, Vukovar, and across the country. I’m pleased to see so many young people here. It is vital that future generations know the truth about what happened here and during the Homeland War,” said Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Butković.