Zagreb - Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković said on Thursday that Croatia has every reason to be proud, especially of its war veterans, President Franjo Tuđman, and the progress made over the past 30 years, as the country marks the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm.
"I’m very pleased to be here today, representing the Croatian Parliament alongside so many people to commemorate this important day," Jandroković said ahead of the military parade in Zagreb.
He emphasised that today’s parade reflects everything Croatia has achieved over the past three decades, both as a nation and as a people.
"We’re proud of all our achievements, but above all, of our veterans, our first president Franjo Tuđman, the political leadership at the time, and everyone involved in those great military victories," he said.
Jandroković noted that Operation Storm was followed by Croatia’s international recognition and eventual membership in the European Union and NATO.
"It’s impressive how far Croatia has come. In the early days, we fought with heart and love for our homeland, and only later came the weapons. Storm was a brilliant operation. If we compare the strength of our military then and now, we can truly see the progress," he said.
He thanked all those involved in developing the Croatian Armed Forces and organising the parade, adding that while he hopes there will never be a need, Croatia will always have people ready to defend their country.