President Milanović awards honorary ranks and decorations to Homeland War veterans

President of Croatia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Zoran Milanović presented a group of Croatian veterans with honorary ranks and decorations for their service during the Homeland War.

He praised their extraordinary contributions and their role in achieving the long-held national aspiration of a free and independent Croatia.

"This decision was made primarily by me, and I am fully prepared to stand behind it. At the same time, I'm not sure who could reasonably oppose it. Time moves on. The war ended long ago, but with decisions like this, we're not trying to correct past injustices - we're simply bringing things into a more harmonious and healthy order," President Milanović said.

Honorary Brigadier General Tihomir Budanko described the recognition as deeply meaningful.

"Receiving the rank of Brigadier General is an unprecedented honor. On behalf of all of us here today, we extend our sincere thanks to you, Mr. President. This rank is not only a reflection of our military past, but also a reminder of the time when, guided by our love for the homeland, we defended what was most precious - the life, freedom, and dignity of the Croatian people," Budanko said.

Reflecting on the wartime experience, he added: "The Homeland War was a time when ordinary people became soldiers, defenders of their homes and their homeland. We were not divided - we were brothers, regardless of all differences - united in one goal: the fight for a free and independent Republic of Croatia." He concluded that, thirty years later, veterans see this recognition as confirmation that their sacrifice, commitment, and loyalty to the homeland continue to be valued.

The ceremony at the Office of the President was attended by family members, comrades-in-arms, friends of the honorees, local officials, Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, and General Ivan Pokaz, Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Croatian Veterans' Affairs.