The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces, Ivo Josipovic, issued a message on Friday marking Armed Forces Day and Ground Forces Day, which are observed on May 28.
The 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Croatian Armed Forces is an opportunity to remember all freedom-loving Croats, especially those who defended Croatia during the 1991-1995 Homeland War and who, through their actions and sacrifice, contributed to the freedom and independence of Croatia and to the organisation and development of the modern Armed Forces and the defence and security system as a whole, Josipovic said.
He praised Croatian military personnel for their participation in peace missions worldwide under the auspices of the United Nations, NATO and the European Union, in fire-fighting and flood protection efforts, search and rescue operations, and other situations where people's lives and property were at risk.
"You are the mainstay and guarantor of security to citizens, society and the state. In you, members of the Armed Forces, in the way you carry out your duties in demanding international operations, missions and activities, our partners and allies recognise modern Croatia," Josipovic said.
On this occasion, Josipovic promoted 136 servicemen and servicewomen on the recommendation of the Armed Forces Chief of Staff and the Ministry of Defence, according to a statement from the President's Office.
