Vukovar celebrates its day

Vukovar marked the city’s day today, May 3rd and the feast of its patron saints, St. Philip and James, with a ceremonial session of the City Council and a tribute to those who died for its freedom, on Sunday.

Pavliček: Vukovar is a city of peace

Vukovar Mayor Marijan Pavliček (Croatian Sovereignists), reflecting on a year in power in Vukovar after the Homeland Movement left power in the city in May last year, said that the past year had been financially demanding and challenging.

“We had to face numerous financial obligations and penalties for the failed project of the megalomaniac new building of the School of Economics. To date, we have returned 1.2 million euros in various penalties, and we are in the process of returning another 560,000 euros, which we must return by March 2027. Because of this, we were forced to implement some unpopular measures, such as reduced salaries and material rights,” Pavliček reminded.

However, he expressed his belief that by the end of the year the city's finances will be stabilized and the existing restrictions will be lifted, noting that he expects the Government's help in doing so.

“When it was most needed, Vukovar gave its all, making the greatest sacrifice. We believe that the Government will recognize this and help Vukovar overcome the current difficulties,” said Pavliček.

He also said that Vukovar is a city of peace, a safe city and a city desirable for living.

“If there is no peace, there is no investment, and then no growth in the number of employees. And the numbers are in our favor and say a lot. So we are at a historic level in the number of employees, because we have 230 more employees than in the same period last year. This year alone, we have 32 children of citizens who returned to Vukovar from abroad,” said the Vukovar mayor.

The ceremonial session was attended by numerous guests, including the envoy of the President of the Republic, retired Colonel General Marijan Mareković, the Croatian Parliament, parliamentarian Nikola Mažar, the Government, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries David Vlajčić, Vukovar-Srijem County Prefect Ivan Bosančić, honorary citizen Vladimir Šeks and others.

Congratulating the citizens of Vukovar on the city’s day, retired Colonel General Marijan Mareković said that Vukovar rose like a phoenix after the war's devastation, wishing it years of development and progress.

Member of Parliament Nikola Mažar recalled the unity of the defenders in the defense of Vukovar in 1991, saying that it must also be a characteristic of today's generations of Vukovar.

Minister David Vlajčić said that the Government is striving to help the development of Vukovar with numerous projects and investments, mentioning the projects of building two apartment buildings, a retirement home and the renovation of Borovo Naselje through the demolition of the neglected so-called Bata villas.

County Prefect Ivan Bosančić said that he is extremely happy about every success of Vukovar's city leaders because it is also the success of Vukovar.

A documentary film was also shown about the economic and development achievements of Vukovar in the past year.

On the occasion of the City Day, wreaths were laid and candles were lit at the Memorial Cemetery of the Victims of the Homeland War, honoring the fallen, missing and murdered defenders of Vukovar.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate all citizens - Happy Vukovar Day, wherever you are! We have come to commemorate and remember our defenders who gave their lives for our freedom and for our Homeland. We will pay tribute to them with dignity and deep respect,” said Tomislav Zadro, son of General Blago Zadro.

A Flower Parade was held in the city center with the participation of a large number of the youngest residents of the city on the Danube, while holy mass was celebrated in the church of St. Philip and James.

“I have the name of the patron saint of the city of Vukovar,” said Filip.

“Vukovar is good, the best in the whole world and I adore it,” said Marta.

“This is a city of heroes, it was defeated and then rose again and that is why we love it and live here,” emphasized Patrik.

“I live in Vukovar, it is a very beautiful city. It is nice to live in it, there are a lot of good people,” said Ana.

“The city is beautiful, there is a lot of content for young people and children, there is content for older people too. Get involved, get active, you are the heart and soul of this city,” Irena told her fellow citizens.

“The people of Vukovar are proud of their city, of the events and living here, and everything is getting better and better,” added Jasmina.

In the afternoon, the central ceremony of the 8th festival of intangible cultural heritage “ALL TOGETHER CROATIA AT ITS BEST” was held, which brought a rich presentation of tradition, customs and tourist specialties from all over Croatia.

In the evening, a concert will be given by Danijela Martinović.

Source: HRT