Sarajevo Ceasefire

On 2nd of January 1992, Sarajevo Ceasefire  was signed, agreement on a complete ceasefire in Croatia (Vance Plan) and the arrival of the United Nations in the occupied territories. On the Croatian side, it was signed by Defense Minister Gojko Susak, and on behalf of the JNA General Andrija Raseta. Sarajevo Ceasefire came into force on 3rd of January at 18 o’clock and marked the end of the first stage of Homeland War.

The Republic of Croatia International Recognition Day

The European Union (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the Great Britain) recognised the Republic of Croatia as an independent and sovereign state on 15th January 1992.

The Peaceful Reintegration of the Croatian Danube Region

The Peaceful Reintegration of the Croatian Danube Region started 15th January 1996 and ended 15th January 1998. During that process occupied territories of eastern Slavonia, Baranja and western Srijem were returned into the Republic of Croatia constitutional order.

Operation Maslenica

Operation Pirate, publicly known as Operation Maslenica, started 22nd January and ended 27th January 1993. The part of the Velebit range and the Zadar hinterland was liberated and a link between northern and southern Croatia, interrupted since September 1991, was established.

What is the Truth About the HDZ Arming of Croatia

On 25th of January 1991 Croatian television aired a show “What is the Truth About the HDZ Arming of Croatia”. The show was prepeared by the Counter-Intelligence Service “JNA” in order to intorduce a state of emergency, which would legalise and legitimise actions of the JNA.

Anniversary of the death of Damir Tomljanović Gavran

February 17 marks the anniversary of the death of Damir Tomljanović Gavran, the legendary commander of the 2nd Infantry Battalion 1 GbR. (Tigers). Training Centre of Guard Airborne Infantry opened on 26th of July 1994. in Šepurine next to Zadar was named in his honor.

Pakrac Rebellion

The Pakrac Rebellion, a date some consider to be the beginning of the Homeland War because it is the first armed conflict of the Croatian military forces and Serbian rebels. Croatian police officers prevented the plan of Serbian rebels aiming to occupy Pakrac and make it the center of SAO Krajina for western Slavonia.

Day of Croatian Defenders from Vukovar

Anniversary of the first line-up of unarmed detachments in Bogdanovci.

Organization for European Security and Cooperation

Croatia became a member of Organization for European Security and Cooperation.

Bloody Easter

The Special Units of the Croatian MI returned Plitvice National Park under the supervision of legal police forces. In an armed conflict with Serbian terrorists a policeman Josip Jovic was killed. He was the first Croatian victim of the war who fought to preserve the territorial integrity and constitutional order of Croatia.

First multiparty elections in Croatia

These are the dates of the first multiparty elections in Croatia which were won by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ).

“Spiders”

On 28th of April 1991, the Fourth guard brigade ZNG RH “Spiders” was founded.

“Mustelidae”

On 29th of April 1991, the Third guard brigade ZNG RH “Mustelidae” was founded.

Anniversary of the beginning of the military operation Flash

By the 4th of May, western Slavonia and Posavina were liberated – the UN Sector Wapad (about 600 km2), and highway Zagreb – Lipovac was placed under the supervision of Croatian forces.

Anniversary of the of the massacre in Borovo Selo

After imprisoning two and wounding two Croatian policemen the day before, Serbian terrorists killed 12 and wounded 8 Croatian policemen in Borovo Selo near Vukovar. Croatian police officer Franko Lisica was killed in Polači near Zadar on the same day.

Anniversary of the the death of Rudolf Perešin

Rudolf Perešin is one of the most famous Croatian Air Force pilots. He is remembered mostly for his words: “I am a Croatian, I can not and I will not shoot at my own people”, which he uttered after he defected to Austria by JNA plane. After returning to Croatia, Rudolf Perešin became the commander of the first hunter squadron. Perešin and his squadron conducted a number of combat flights in all actions and operations of the Croatian Army, and defended Zagreb and the Croatian airspace. During Operation Flash on May 2nd 1995 by Stara Gradiska his MiG was hit. Two years later his remains were handed over to his family. He was buried at The Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb. He was posthumously awarded the rank of Brigadier. The name of the legendary Croatian pilot is proudly carried by the Aeronautical Technical School in Velika Gorica, and the Air Force school in Zadar, since 1998.

Rocket Attacks on Croatian Cities

As a retaliation to Operation Bljesak, the Serbian leadership commanded the rocket attack on Croatian cities. The capital of Zagreb was attacked, in which cluster bombs hit the children’s hospital, the gymnasium, the Academy of Dramatic Art and other civilian objects. Seven people were killed and 176 civilians were wounded.

The beginning of the decommissioning of the Yugoslav sports league

Due to the extensive riots at the stadium and the conflicts between Croatian and Serbian sports fan, Yugoslavia’s first soccer league match between Dinamo and Crvena zvezda was interrupted, marking the beginning of the decommissioning of joint Yugoslav sports liga. After the “milicija” (the police) intervened only towards the Croatian fans, footballer Dino Zvonimir Boban, the future captain of the Croatian national team, physically opposed the police repression.

Weapons Confiscated to Croatia

According to the Order of the Federal Secretariat for National Defense from Belgrade, within the next ten days, the Armed Forces of Territorial Defense confiscated weapons and placed them in the JNA warehouses

“Thunders”

On 15th of May 1991, the Second guard brigade ZNG RH “Thunders” was founded.

Scorched Land

This day marks the anniversary of the start of military action “Scorched Land” that Croatian army started on the Southern battlefield in order to free Dubrovnik.

Croatian independence referendum

At referendum on the future status of the Republic of Croatia, 83.56% of the population (from 3,652,225 voting shares) turned out; 93.24% (2,845,521) of the citizens who voted opted for independence and sovereignty of the Croatian and against remaining in Yugoslavia was 92.18% of voters.

Croatia became a member of the UN

Anniversary of Croatian entrance as 178 member in the organization of the United Nations.

Armed Forces Day and the Day Croatian Ground Forces

The anniversary of the first line-up of the National Guard (ZNG) in the NK Zagreb Stadium in Kranjčevićeva Street.

Statehood Day

Anniversary of the constitution of the first democratically elected multi-party Croatian Parliament.

Croatian kuna

New Croatian currency was released in circulation – HRK.

Independance Day

Croatian Parliament passed the Declaration of the Sovereignty and Independence of the Republic of Croatia and so began the process of association of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Destruction the red Fiat

Osijek citizen Branko Breškić parked his car on the road to protest the demonstration of JNA power on the streets of Osijek. Army tanks overran the Fiat completely destroying it.

Liberation operation “Tiger”

This day marks the anniversary of the Liberation operation “Tiger” of the Croatian Army, which goal was to free Dubrovnik.

Anniversary of the death of Marko Babic

This day marks the anniversary of the deaths of Marko Babic, Deputy Commander of Defense Postions in Borovo, and deputy Blago Zadro. Colonel Marko Babic organized a highly successful anti-tank missiles at the the Trpinjska Road, especially antitank platoons “Yellow Ants” and “Desert Rats”, which destroyed the tanks of the JNA (mention the number of 14 tanks). With several fellow soldiers he managed to break out of the occupied Vukovar. He died from a stroke and was buried at the Memorial Cemetery of the Homeland War in Vukovar in 2007.

Exile of Croatians from Ćelije

Serbian paramilitary units exiled Croatians from the East Slavonian village Ćelije. The village was then robbed and burned.

Death of Andrija Andabak

Andrija Andabak is a legendary defender of Nustar and Vinkovci frontline. Andrija Andabak destroyed 32 enemy armor (30 tanks and 2 carriers) and was posthumously promoted to the rank of Major. Recognition awarded by the Croatian Army for destruction of three or more enemy armored vehicles was named in Andabak’s honor. Andrija Andabak (born 1956 in Split) was called “tank hunter”, a fighter with “maljutka”, and he was an infallible archer. His war story began in June 1991 in the 3rd Guard Brigade. A total numver of armored vehicles he destroied or disabled is 32, including 30 tanks (14, T-84, 16 M-55), one APC and one conveyor.

Death of Kata Šoljić

July 8 marks the anniversary of the death of Kata Šoljić, mother of four killed soldiers and heroine of the Homeland War, the symbol of suffering and courage of Croatian mothers in the Homeland War. In the Homeland War she lost four sons: Ivo, Niko, Mijo and Mate. The media named her Mother Courage, making her a symbol of suffering and courage of Croatian mothers.

The SRH Parliament adopted amendments to the Constitution

Adjective “socialist” was removed from the state name, new (“historical”) emblem and flag were established, and the names of state duties were changed (President of the Presidency becomes president, the Executive Board of the Parliament – Government, Republican Secretary – Minister).

Death of Mile Blažević Ćađe

Mile Blažević Čađe is a Croatian police officer who was killed in Struga Banska when he girded himself with explosives and thrown himself at the improvised armored truck full of rebel Serbs. In this venture he had help from Željko Filipović, a police officer from Zagreb. With his act he saved the townspeople who were held as a “human shield” by rebel Serbs. According to the pastor Janko Bunić, this act allowed other residents to withdraw.

The Dalj Massacre

In the following days, Croatians were exiled from Erdu, Dalj and Aljmaš.

The beginning of the military-police operation Storm

This day marks the beginning of the Military operation Storm, when the Croatian forces freed occupied Croatian territory by August 7 in northern Dalmatia, Lika, Banovina and Kordun (7940 km2).

Death of Predrag Matanović

Predrag Matanovic was the wartime commander of the 2nd Guards Brigade. He was killed in the operation “Storm” at the entrance to Petrinja, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, leading his unit in the attack on one of the directions of the attack the 2nd Guards Brigade “Thunders”. After the war, Petrinja barracks was called by his name, and it used to house his 2nd Guards Brigade.

Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders

Remembrance to the city of Knin liberation in a military-police operation “Oluja” (“Storm”).

Establishment the first armed unit in Republic of Croatia

This day marks the anniversary of the organization of the first armed forces in the Republic of Croatia, the beginning of the course “First Croatian Policeman”. The Ministry of Internal Affairs formed a first police brigade (about 1,700 members), the core of the future Croatian Army.

The death of Gordan Lederer

HTV’s cameraman Gordan Lederer was killed by enemies gun fire in Banovina. He was one of the first victims among cameramen and reporters in Homeland War. His shots of Banija Dawns symbolize the opposition of Croatian defenders in the first days of Serbian aggression.

The Day of Camp Detainees

Anniversary of the largest exchange of Croatian Camp Detainees detained in Serbian camps in Nemetin

Log revolution

The so-called “Log revolution”, in the area of Knin, Benkovac and Obrovac, was organized to block traffic directed by rebel Serbian population and Croatian police attempted to restore order and ensure peace, but was prevented by the JNA.

Beginning of the Battle of Vukovar

The Battle of Vukovar started with an open attack of the JNA.

Anti-war protests of citizens at Kresimir Square in Zagreb

At a large peace-rally at Kresimir Square in Zagreb in front of the Headquarters of the 5th Military District in Zagreb was between 100 and 150 thousand people. It was held in solidarity with the mothers gathered at bodem the love, the peace movement and the return of their sons from the JNA.

Croatian Parliament Day

Parliament adopted a decision on whether to secede from Yugoslavia. They proclaimed the independence of the Croatia. Because of the air raids, session of the Croatian Parliament was held in the basement of the building of Oil and Gas Company (INA). Parliament argued that three month deferral of the Constitutional decision of 25 June 1991 expired, and made a decision on whether to secede from Yugoslavia and become independence: the Republic of Croatia, together with other republics and autonomies, terminated all state and legal relations at the basis of which they formed Yugoslavia.

Operation Medak Pocket

Croatian army and police liberated villages Počitelj, Čitluk and Divoselo (about 225 km2). In retaliation the army RSK throw missiles at Gospic.

Death of Luke Andrijanić

On 24 August 1991 Luka hit the two JNA aircrafts type “Super Galeb”, which attacked the positions of National Guard on the silo Đergaj. Two days later, Luka and his team, which included Marjan Balic, Antun Bekčević and Zvonimir Hincak, situationed at the water tower, shot down two aircrafts of JNA: MiG-21 and G-fourth.

Both! Both! Both went down!

Šibenik air defense destroys two enemy aircrafts during the defense of the city.

General Headquarters of the Croatian Army

By the Decision of Croatian President Franjo Tudjman, General Headquarters of the Croatian Army was founded. The first chief was General Anton Tus.

Day of 204th Vukovar Brigade

“Hawks”

On 5th of October 1992, the Fifth guard brigade ZNG RH “Hawks” was founded.

Rocket attacks on Ban’s Court

JNA aircrafts rocketed the Ban’s Court at center of the city, where Croatian President Franjo Tudjman, the president of the Presidency of Yugoslavia, Stjepan Mesic and Prime SIV Yugoslavia, Ante Markovic had a meeting.

Death of Andrija Matijaš Pauk

In the battles of Mrkonjic Grad, as deputy commander of the 4th Guard Brigade, Major General Andrija Matijaš Pauk was killed. He was one of the legendary commanders of the Croatian army in the Homeland War.

Deaths of Blago Zadro and Alfred Hill

In the battles for the defense of Vukovar, Blago Zadro, a legendary commander of the defense postions and Major Alfred Hill, a company commander of the Military Police 204th Vukovar Brigade, were killed. Army colleges were named after them: Command and Staff College Blago Zadro and Training Center of Military Police Major Alfred Hill.

I am Croatian and I will not shoot at my own people!

Pilot Rudolf Perešin fled from the JNA (Yugoslav Air Force) with his MIG 21, and landed at airport in Klagenfurt, Austria. He was killed in early May 1995 at flight mission in the military action “Flash” as a commander of the 1st Hunting Squadron of the Croatian Air Force.

Beginning of the liberation operation Hurricane

Almost all of Western Slavonia was liberated, 21 Serb strongholds were successfully neutralized. All of Papuk was liberated, from Orahovica to Daruvar, and mountain Ravna Gora. Voćin, Lipik and a full range of villages were released.

Beginning of the liberation operation Otkos

Croatian military units liberated the area of Bilogora (approximately 270 km2) and created the conditions for the offensive actions in the direction of Papuk and Psunj.

Humanitarian convoy Libertas sailed in Dubrovnik

The convoy was led by the president of the Presidency of Yugoslavia Stjepan Mesic and Croatian Prime Minister Franjo Gregurić, and carried humanitarian aid to besieged Dubrovnik.

“Tigers”

On 5th of November 1990, the First guard brigade ZNG RH “Tigers” was founded.

The Erdut Agreement

The Republic of Croatia signed an agreement with the rebel Serbs from the eastern Slavonia and western Sirmium on the peaceful reintegration of these regions at constitutional order of the Republic of Croatian.

Remembrance Day for Homeland War Victims and Remembrance Day for the Victims of Vukovar and Skabrnja

Organized resistance of the Croatian defenders ceased. The Battle of Vukovar (25 August – 18 November 1991) was crucial for the defense of Croatia, and Vukovar became a symbol of Croatian resistance to Serbian aggression.

The end of organized resistance of Croatian defenders in Borovo.

The mass killings

Mass killings of wounded soldiers and civilians from the Vukovar hospital at Ovcara.

Siniša Glavašević and reporter from Radio Vukovar were killed. He was born in Vukovar in 1960, where he finished elementary and high school. He finished the study of comparative literature and librarianship in Sarajevo. He was the editor of Croatian Radio Vukovar and war correspondent. After the JNA and the Chetniks occupied Vukovar, he was taken from the Vukovar hospital. In 1996, he was exhumed and identified from the Mass Grave Ovcara.

Adoption of the Croatian Constitution

Parliament passed the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, which defined Croatia as a unitary and indivisible, democratic and social state.