Vukovar honours Blago Zadro with Memorial Room

A memorial room dedicated to General Blago Zadro, the fallen commander of Vukovar’s defense, was officially opened today in the very space that once served as the city’s defense command center during the 1991 siege. 

The room features photographs, videos, personal belongings, and artifacts that recount the story of the defenders of Trpinjska Road and their role in inflicting heavy losses on the aggressor.

“First and foremost, Blago Zadro took care of all of us. He was a brave man and a born leader-like a father to us, but also our friend,” said Zoran Sablić, a Vukovar defender.

Siniša Miličević, another defender, reflected on the outcome of their struggle: “We achieved exactly what they gave their lives for-and what I was wounded for-a free and independent Croatia. That’s what makes me happiest. We succeeded, despite their attempts to destroy us.”

Stipe Majić, also known as “Pipo,” a Vukovar defender and the initiator of the Memorial Room, emphasized its purpose: “This Memorial Room is for young people who want to learn the truth about what happened here-for everyone who wants to know our story, and how we helped create a free and independent Croatian homeland.”

On the same day, Vukovar defender Dragutin Štic was laid to rest at the Vukovar Memorial Cemetery, alongside his comrades-in-arms Jean-Michel Nicolier and Zorislav Gašpar. The 52-year-old’s remains were identified late last month after 34 years.

“Another Croatian defender has finally found his resting place-where his remains can lie in peace. His widow and son now have a place to pray and light a candle,” said Ljiljana Alvir, president of the Union of Associations of Detained and Missing Croatian Veterans. “This gives hope to other families as well, that they too will one day find the remains of their loved ones.”

The opening of the memorial room and the reburial of Dragutin Štic serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made during the Siege of Vukovar and the ongoing efforts to honor those who defended Croatian independence.