Third day of Operation Storm - 30th anniversary

After the liberation of Knin on August 5, 1995 and the collapse of the Serbian rebels' defense, many places were liberated in the following days during Operation Storm, including Petrinja, Slunj, Glina, Hrvatska Kostajnica, Korenica, and Udbina. The liberation and return from exile after almost four years of occupation were being celebrated today by the defenders and citizens of Petrinja and Slunj. The Wings of Storm aerobatic group also participated in the program. 

A traditional early morning vigil invited the people of Petrinja to celebrate the great anniversary of the liberation of the city. Wreaths were laid and candles were lit at the monument to war commander Predrag Matanović and his brothers in arms on Senjak, all who gave their lives for freedom.

“My son was 26 years old, he was born in 1969, we're proud but also sad, and that’s how it has to be. I'm not alone there are more of us,” said Ivka Perković.

“We as the sons of defenders put on these historic uniforms in memory of them, and I believe that this history must be known, it mustn't be forgotten,” said Mario Vujić who lost his father.

The then war commander of the 2nd thunder guards' brigade, Drago Matanović, will certainly not be forgotten, after freedom was achieved in '95, today there is pride.

“It wasn't easy, however we prepared for four years. The enemy forces had firm defense here enabling the withdrawal of forces to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was their absent defense. We mustn't forget the fact that in this direction three of the main commanders fell, which significantly slowed the speed of the operation, but it didn't halt Croatian forces from achieving what was most important. We managed to break out to Croatia's borders and liberate Croatia,” said Matanović.

20 members of the 2nd Thunder Guards' Brigade were killed.

“It's important to tell the story so that the victims are not forgotten, not only members of the 2nd Guards' Brigade but the entire Croatian nation, in Croatia more than 15 thousand citizens died, who had woven their lives into this, so that today we may live in freedom, democracy and prosperity,” said the president of their veterans' association, Nenad Bužanić.

The Croatian flag was brought into Petrinja by veteran Sonja Radman Livaja. And after 30 years, the memories of the volunteers are still alive.

“Since I participated in the Homeland War, I don't know, the more time goes by the prouder I feel. When a person gets older they probably better understand the entire essence of the Homeland War. And thanks to all defenders.,” said Radman Livaja.

On this day 30 years ago, Slunj was liberated, which on the anniversary of Operation Storm, also celebrates the city's day. At the memorial, honors were paid to the fallen and missing veterans, veterans' certificates of appreciation were presented in the afternoon, and a concert is being held by popular band Prljavo Kazalište this evening.

Source: HRT