The main commemoration observing Croatia's Anti-Fascist Struggle Day began in Brezovica Forest near Sisak on Tuesday morning with wreath-laying ceremonies at the monument erected in tribute to the first 79-strong Partisan Unit which was established in that forest on 22 June 1941 under the command of Vladimir Janic Capo.
Today's commemoration, organised under the auspices of the Croatian Government, Sisak County and the Anti-Fascist Fighters' Association (SABAH), marks the 69th anniversary of the establishment of the first anti-Fascist armed unit in Croatia and in the occupied parts of Europe as well as the 65th anniversary of the victory over Fascism.
Wreaths were laid by President Ivo Josipovic, Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, delegations of the parliament, the defence, the armed forces, as well as of SABAH, the local authorities, the Jewish community in Zagreb and several political parties and associations of Homeland Defence War veterans.
Of 79 fighters who set up the first Partisan unit, 38 survived the war.
